LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – Trial began Monday for two Dartmouth College students who were arrested on campus last October during a pro-Palestine protest. That incident sparked a hunger strike by a handful of students demanding– among other things– that the charges be dropped.
Here’s what has happened:
Oct. 27: The students were arrested for criminal trespass.
Feb. 19: Eight students began a hunger strike demanding charges dropped.
Feb. 26: The hunger strike entered week two as the trial began for the two students.
There was a large show of support at Lebanon District Court on Monday for two college students who appeared before a judge charged with criminal trespass.
Chants rang out in the parking lot of the courthouse an hour before the hearing for two Dartmouth students was set to begin.
Freshman Kevin Engel and junior Roan Wade were arrested on campus last October after refusing to break down a tent they had pitched in front of the president’s office. The students were among several taking part in a weekslong pro-Palestine protest.
“This has set a very dangerous precedent from nonviolent protests but we are still here and we will continue,” Engel said.
College officials say tents pose a safety hazard and are not allowed without a permit. According to court testimony, the students were repeatedly told to remove it from campus before they were arrested.
“It is very clear that the administration is not interested in the demands and the needs and the safety of their students,” Wade said.
Last week, eight students began a hunger strike with a list of demands including that the charges against Wade and Engel be dropped. But the college has insisted on due process in the courts. In a statement, Scott Brown, the dean of the college, wrote: “Palestinian students at Dartmouth are valued members of our community and we know they, and you, are hurting… all of us care very deeply about you, your experience, and your success at Dartmouth.”
Monday, after a week with no food, six of the eight hunger-strikers resumed eating, they said mainly to support the other two who are continuing the strike.
“Our hunger-strikers are in a very vulnerable position and as it stands, they need as much support as they can get,” said Ramsey Alsheikh, a sophomore.
Wade is one of them. She told me before going into court that she was hungry and weak but that she would continue her protest until she felt the college was bargaining in good faith. Another demand is for the college to divest all investments with ties to Israel.
“My life isn’t worth anything more or anything less than a student’s life in Gaza,” Wade said.
College officials say the student’s health is their top priority and they will continue to check in with the two remaining protesters and those who have already begun eating again on a daily basis.
There was no verdict in Monday’s case. The trial will continue at a later date.