The historical buildings of Sciences Po Paris were blocked by students in support of the Palestinians on Tuesday, May 7th, as observed by an AFP journalist. Trash cans, urban furniture, and shared bicycles obstructed the entrance of the building on 27 Rue Saint-Guillaume. Around twenty students were present on the street, some wearing face masks or keffiyehs to partially hide their faces. Police officers were also nearby. The day before, police had intervened in the afternoon to remove activists who had set up tents in support of the Gaza population.
One first-year student, who chose not to disclose her identity, stated that they resorted to unconventional methods of protest because they felt they had no other options. They had tried sending emails and having discussions but to no avail. With exams approaching and everyone feeling tired, they felt it was necessary to take more drastic action. The student justified the blockade by citing the same demands that have been fueling tensions on the Sciences Po Paris campus for several weeks, including an investigation into partnerships with Israeli universities and an end to the repression and sanctions against mobilized students. According to her, ten students had started a hunger strike on Friday following the evacuation of the premises by law enforcement. The direction of Sciences Po did not respond to requests for comments.
Classes had ended on Friday at the institution, with students scheduled to take exams allowed to enter through a side door. The ongoing protests at Sciences Po are part of a larger movement taking place on campuses across France, with students advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. The situation remains tense on the campus as students continue to push for their demands to be met. The blockade of the entrance to the historical buildings is seen as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinians and a call for action to address the situation in the region. The students are determined to make their voices heard and bring attention to the ongoing issues affecting the Palestinian population.
As tensions escalate, the presence of police officers near the blocked entrance indicates a potential for further confrontations. The students involved in the protests remain steadfast in their demands and are willing to take drastic measures to ensure their voices are heard. The actions of the students reflect a growing concern and frustration over the situation in Gaza and the lack of concrete actions being taken to address the ongoing crisis. The situation at Sciences Po Paris highlights the broader societal issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the impact it has on academic institutions and their students. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond and whether a resolution can be reached to address the students’ demands.
