FAS Dean Hoekstra Celebrates Peaceful End to Harvard Yard Protest
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Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences praised interim University President Alan M. Garber for his handling of the pro-Palestine encampment at Harvard Yard, which ended peacefully without police action. As part of the agreement to end the encampment, Hoekstra and Garber promised to meet with members of Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine, the group that organized the encampment, to discuss their thoughts on the conflict in Israel and Gaza. The group also intends to discuss the possibility of forming a center for Palestine studies at Harvard, though the university’s leadership has not indicated a willingness to move forward with this demand.
Harvard’s Interim President’s Handling of Encampment Praised by Faculty Dean
Dean Hoekstra of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences commended Interim University President Garber for his approach to the pro-Palestine encampment, expressing the need for “true and meaningful dialogue”. Her public comment followed the three-week occupation of Harvard Yard, which ended Tuesday morning.
The dean’s email credited Garber for concluding the encampment “peacefully, and without police action”, a resolution that was “anything but assured”. Hoekstra and Garber have agreed to meet with members of Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine (HOOP), the group organizing the encampment, to discuss the Israel and Gaza conflict.
Hoekstra intends to tackle “academic matters related to the longstanding conflicts in the Middle East” with Garber. Both did not directly address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, referring only to “the humanitarian crisis”.
HOOP Proposes Center for Palestine Studies
HOOP members indicated on Instagram their intent to discuss the creation of a center for Palestine studies. No confirmation has been made by Harvard leadership regarding this proposal. Hoekstra had remained publicly silent throughout the 20-day protest.
An earlier email from Garber outlined terms agreed upon to end the occupation. HOOP agreed to dismantle their encampment in return for reinstatement of students placed on leave and a conversation with a Harvard Corporation member about endowment disclosure and divestment. The encampment’s resolution mirrored the approach of Northwestern University and Brown University, contrasting with the police crackdowns other Boston schools faced.
Encampment Resolution Could Spark Backlash
The terms agreed upon were similar to Garber’s initial offer to HOOP. While seen as a compromise, it may incite backlash from faculty and donors who advised against conceding to the protesters’ demands.
Dean Hoekstra praised Harvard staff for their commitment to ensure a peaceful resolution, thanking them for working “around the clock”. She expressed her gratitude particularly to those who ensured everyone’s safety and wellbeing in the Yard, and acknowledged faculty for their support.
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