We spoke for peace and solidarity with the Palestinians and we were heard.  UR-SDS and friends declared a victory to our occupation just before midnight Friday (Feb. 6, 2009) when we signed a joint statement of understanding/plan of action with the Dean of Students where we found common ground on addressing our demands in a substantive manner.  This final statement was approved overwhelmingly by a vote of the general assembly of all those present to the occupation. 

The rough wording of the signed Joint Statement of Understanding/Action Plan is as follows:

1. University of Rochester will commit to provide any surplus goods or supplies that could assist the devastated University of Gaza. 

2. University of Rochester will commit resources and information to assist fundraising for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

3. University of Rochester will commit to reach out to Palestinian students in order to provide them scholarships to the University of Rochester

4. University of Rochester will commit to organize an open forum to discuss why the University invests in weapons manufactures and discuss the process of the University moving toward a more socially responsible, transparent, and democratically controlled investment policy.

The spirit in the air at midnight was jubilation.  Because we took a stand for peace and justice in Gaza, and we got the University of Rochester to act decisively to better the lives of the people of Gaza. 

Stay turned for more details updates to come!