Still very much there are of today. I was in the bookstore this morning buying last-minute presents and a large bunch of tents, banners and canopies in the area towards Tresider. There are actually two parts - a set of booths without full-time attendance supporting Israel and another set of booths with tents round the back with folks sleeping in them supporting Hamas.

I think it's good they let these protests run. Students should have freedom of expression as long as they are not inciting violence, harming others or making offensive statements (e.g. racist, sexist, antisemitic etc).

Can members of the local community join them? It would be the right (and perhaps only) thing to do right now

@local Stanford. You shouldn't categorize the pro-ceasefire protesters as "supporting Hamas." Suspect most are against the disproportionate backlash to what they agree was a deplorable act. There's a subtle but important difference. You don't have to be pro-abortion to support pro-choice. Black and white thinking is what's driving this mess.

Exactly! Even The New York Times has conflated Palestine with Hamas. Here's a lovely 1 minute excerpt from a sermon by a Palestinian Christian yesterday. Web Link

Not so bright...if they think this is how to effect change on the international front. The factors at play here are very complex. Not at all as simple as the placards suggest. Stanford, your students need a better education on Middle East affairs.

Sure, the history is somewhat complex - but what we are watching is pure genocide. Which isn't complicated at all.

@Consider
People need real experience to learn. Good for the students taking the opportunity to learn by doing (although they are probably not expecting the reality they will face). Hopefully this experience will help them take more effective action the future.