SJP has earned 40.6% of votes in this category
By MARLE LAMOUNTRY — features@theaggie.org
In the realm of student-led organizations advocating for social justice and human rights, few have garnered as much attention this year as the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) club. This group has become a beacon of hope for those seeking to address the ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians, helping the group win best student-run organization this year with 40.6% of votes from the students surveyed.
The organization has led multiple protests throughout the year, emphasizing that community is at the core of advocacy for social justice and human rights. The members of the community have used their voice to condemn complacency in the genocide and occupation of the Palestinian people, and have also held vigils to honor those who have been martyred.
Outside of protests, they also focus on ensuring the student population is knowledgeable about the latest news, as well as the history of the conflict through info nights, movie screenings and the use of social media platforms.
Eric Thao, a fourth-year history major, commented on the impact of the club.
“SJP at UC Davis has had tremendous efforts in bringing awareness [to] and fighting against the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” Thao said.
One of the most notable actions SJP has achieved through their efforts this year was the passing of a bill in the student-run ASUCD Senate that prevents the $20 million ASUCD budget from being spent on companies considered “complicit in the occupation and genocide of Palestinians,” as decided by the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement. UC Davis’ student government became the first of the UCs to pass a resolution in line with the BDS movement, and this was followed by a similar resolution of divestment by the student government at UCLA soon after.
You can find more details on the club’s Instagram at @sjpatucd.
Written by: Marle Lamountry — features@theaggie.org
