The Student Christian Movement stands with students on Campuses across Canada who are peacefully and unwaveringly advocating for their institutions to divest from military and arms concerns engaged in the occupation and bombardment of Gaza and the West Bank. As an organization centred on social justice, community in diversity and radical faith in action we are committed to working towards just and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
We urge institutions of higher learning to take seriously and engage with students’ calls for divestment from companies contributing to and profiting from the Israel-Hamas war. We believe that students have a right to know that their tuition money is not being used to fuel war and to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Furthermore, we believe it is the responsibility of all institutions and individuals to refrain from endangering the human rights of others, directly or indirectly.
SCM stands with student protestors, and with all those working and praying for peace in the Middle East and around the globe.
An important reminder: SCM opposes prejudice and oppression in all its forms, including Antisemitism and Islamophobia. We reject any discourse that tries to wield hatred in the service of justice.
We encourage individuals who want to show solidarity with the student encampments at institutions with which they are connected to write to those institutions’ governing bodies to express your solidarity. A template letter adapted from SCM’s solidarity statement is available below:
Dear [Institution Governing Body]
As a(n) [alumni/student/employee/community member] of [institution] and a [member/friend] of The Student Christian Movement, I stand with students on Campuses across Canada who are peacefully and unwaveringly advocating for their institutions to divest from military and arms concerns engaged in the occupation and bombardment of Gaza and the West Bank. As an organization centred on social justice, community in diversity and radical faith in action, the SCM is committed to working towards just and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
I urge [institution] to take seriously and engage with students’ calls for [divestment from companies contributing to and profiting from the Israel-Hamas war/ insert specific demands] We believe that students have a right to know that their tuition money is not being used to fuel war and to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Furthermore, we believe it is the responsibility of all institutions and individuals to refrain from endangering the human rights of others, directly or indirectly.
I stand with student protestors at [institution], and with all those working and praying for peace in the Middle East and around the globe.
Yours Sincerely,
[Name and Affiliation, if applicable]
