CSU Pueblo students stand in solidarity with other universities over Gaza-Israel war

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - Pro-Palestine protests continue to break out on campuses across the country, and now one university in southern Colorado has joined that list.   

Students at Colorado State University Pueblo took to the Fountain Plaza on campus Tuesday afternoon, calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, and asking their university administration to divest from any and all companies and institutions that support Israel.

It was a short and peaceful demonstration, comprised of dozens of current and former students, with even a faculty member speaking. Their goal was to show solidarity with other schools in protest across the country.

Some local indigenous residents of Pueblo, took part in the demonstration by performing music and chants, wishing to show love to those who they believe are suffering overseas in Gaza. They cited their own cultures as ones that dealt with oppression, and resistance, as a way to empathize with Palestinians.  

"We need to understand what the root cause of any resistance and violence is, and that is oppression.  That is the oppression of their people. For not being allowed to simply exist." said Breeanna Guerra Rodriguez, a Sophomore at CSU Pueblo, who helped organize the event.

Demonstrators also demanded CSU Pueblo to stop facilitating business internships with companies like Lockheed Martin, and Northrup Grumann, who help supply Israel's military.

"[Grumann] was just offered a $9 million grant, or funding, to create more weapons for Israel and that was within the past couple of months. So it's still ongoing." said Christi Bynum, on why the relationship should be cut off. She graduated from CSU Pueblo in 2023, but came to campus Tuesday because she felt motivated.

"I can't sit idly, and be complicit with genocide." she said.

The students full list of demands were:

• CSU Pueblo divest from any and all corporations which operate in Isreal.
• Refuse grants or funding from corporations that contract with the U.S armed forces, and terminate any relationships with said corporations.
• End Study Abroad programs that send students to Isreal.
• Write and publish a statement condemning the genocidal acts of Isreal.
• Fully disclose their financial investments to the student body and/or public.
• Organize a meeting with Chancellor Tony Frank and student organizers to discuss and plan the implementation of the above demands directed to the univeristy.

Today, KRDO13 requested comment about the students demands, and their allegations about CSU Pueblo's relationship with internship programs and other finances that may be tied to companies that work with Israel.

They did not respond Tuesday afternoon. However they did provide this statement which was sent to the campus community:

"Dear CSU Pueblo Students, Faculty, Staff, and University Partners,

We would like to make our campus community aware of a free speech activity happening right now at the Fountain Plaza.

As an institution of higher education, CSU Pueblo is committed to promoting open dialogue, free expression, and the exchange of diverse perspectives within our university community. You can see our Free Speech and Peaceful Assembly Policy here: https://www.csupueblo.edu/freedom-of-speech/, which contains content-neutral time, place, and manner guidelines that all people engaging in First Amendment activities on the CSU Pueblo campus are required to follow.

All guests and members of the CSU Pueblo community are encouraged to participate in any activity respectfully and responsibly. We remind everyone to uphold the values of tolerance, inclusivity, and mutual respect at all times."

CSU Pueblo Spokesperson