Democratic university group expresses solidarity with protesters on campus and criticizes the White House

The college outreach arm of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) expressed solidarity with pro-Palestine protesters on campuses across the country and criticized the White House for its handling of the Israel-Hamas war in a statement on Tuesday.

“Last week, we witnessed heroic actions by students across the country to protest and advocate for an end to the war in Palestine and the release of hostages,” said College Democrats of America. declaration read.

“Since the beginning of this conflict, college Democrats and students from all walks of life have had the moral clarity to see this war for what it is: destructive, genocidal, and unjust,” the statement continues.

The statement criticized “MAGA Republicans” and other lawmakers for “smearing all protesters as hateful” when most protests remained peaceful.

The statement also criticized the White House’s approach to the war, asserting that while the outreach arm is “committed to the re-election of President Biden and Democrats in down-ballot races in every corner of our nation,” they are also “committed to reserve the right to criticize our own party when it fails to represent the voices of young people.”

“The White House took the wrong path from a bear hug strategy to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and a strategy of indifference to his own base and to all Americans who want to see an end to this war. Every day that Democrats fail to remain united behind a permanent ceasefire, a two-state solution and the recognition of a Palestinian state, more and more young people become disillusioned with the party,” he said.

Protests across the country – from Columbia University and other Ivy League schools on the East Coast to state universities in Michigan, Texas and California – have focused on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and demanded a ceasefire to protect the Palestinian lives.

Protesters at Columbia occupied a building on campus on Tuesday, barricading entrances and flying a Palestinian flag outside a window of the university’s Hamilton Hall, according to the Associated Press.

The statement expressed solidarity with protesters “who are calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages and a two-state solution where both Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace.”

“As young voters, we are well aware that in November, our votes will determine who wins the White House,” the statement continues.

The Hill has reached out to the DNC, the White House and the Biden campaign for comment.