Editor’s note: Letters to the Editor and open letters reflect the opinions, concerns and views of University of Wisconsin-Madison students and community. As such, the information presented may or may not be accurate. Letters to the Editor and open letters do not reflect the editorial views or opinions of The Daily Cardinal.
Did you follow the events of the UW-Madison students’ Gaza divestment encampment?
We of Madison for a World BEYOND War found what happened there extremely inspiring. Of the many things we witnessed, the conduct of the students was a true ray of hope in our murky future. We saw young people capably imagining & creating a better world.
One thing in particular jumps out for us from all that happened in those twelve days of encampment, and that is the way it ended. Negotiation is the reasonable, diplomatic & humane alternative to violent conflict. So we love that the students successfully negotiated with UW-Madison administrators steps towards the university’s divestment from the companies that are profiting from the genocide in Gaza.
We have been demonstrating in the streets and sitting in at legislators’ offices calling for negotiations to end all of the forever wars the U.S. is arming, at colossal human, environmental and economic expense. Most recently, of course, our focus is Ukraine and Palestine. You can learn about our war abolition work at www.worldbeyondwar.org/madison
The students moved UW-Madison to address systems of oppression and harm. The students wrote about their agreement, “Together we made a very large machine move in a small way, but that is always the hardest step.” Details on what they negotiated towards ending the genocide are here - https://www.instagram.com/sjpuwmadison/
We do and will support them all the way.
We have no doubt in these young people’s dedication and capability. Thank you students!
Stefania Sani, Susan Freiss and Janet Parker
Madison for a World BEYOND War
