Gaza Protest: University of Rochester not to cut ties with Israel, says Spokesperson

The University of Rochester has clarified that it never announced cutting academic ties with Israel as demanded by the Pro-Palestine protestors across the US universities and in other countries. 

The students across the US have been protesting to demand a complete divestment from Israel. Some social media posts claimed that the University of Rochester announced to cut academic ties with Israel. However, now the university has clarified that they have not made any such announcements.

A spokesperson for the university told Reuters in an April 29 email that the posts are “not true.”

"The university will not consider cutting ties while also acknowledging that a self-governing “faculty senate” would be “free to address whatever topics they want to discuss relevant to the University’s academic activities," said the university's statement regarding the same.

“The students were demanding (1) a cease-fire call and (2) divestment from Israeli institutions. University administrators in fact made no commitment to either demand, but in particular made no commitment regarding a University divestment from any academic programs or ties with Israel, as is being inaccurately reported on some social media channels," added the statement.

5 students reportedly banned for Gaza protest at campus

As per social media posts, a total of 5 students are banned for the Gaza protest at the University of Rochester.

"Sabeet is a student at the University of Rochester. He is upset that five students have been banned from campus for being the masterminds behind the campus encampment. In reality, it is a partial ban, and they are free to do anything related to "academic and living purposes. The University of Rochester has banned a number of its own students from being on their own campus by virtue of their participation in the Gaza solidarity encampment and the way it's going about it is very manipulative and something we should all be wary of," reads a message on X platform.

Spring applicant’s deadline is November 15

The university promises a diverse community that embraces students from all backgrounds and more than 130 different countries. Students can apply online through the Common Application (CA) or the Coalition for College Application (CoA). The last date to apply for the Spring intake is November 15, 2024.

The required supporting materials for application are the following - Mid-year report (when available), Final transcript (when available), College transcript (if applicable), Secondary school transcript

Teacher recommendation (one required), School report/counselor recommendation, English language exam results OR English Proficiency Requirement Waiver Request, and International Financial Support Form (IFSF) (for applicants who do not require need based financial aid) or CSS Profile (for applicants who require need based financial aid).

The English language proficiency exams accepted at the university include - Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS, and TOEFL.

Read more:

• Pro-Palestine Demonstrations: After US Universities, it spreads to UK, France
• UCLA to reopen classes after massive protest; Creates campus safety role