CORRECTION: In a previous version of this story, Bilal Shaikh's name was misspelled. The error has been corrected. (May 2, 2024)
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Protesters are filling college campuses across the country and students on the University of Kentucky’s campus have joined the movement.
Students in the UK covered the grounds of William T. Young Library with flags and signs. They, along with other protesters, joined Lex4Palestine—a group that advocates for the total recall and liberation of Palestine—to protest concerns about the ongoing war in Gaza.
The protest on the UK’s campus follows hundreds of people at universities across the country have held protests.
Bilal Shaikh is a pre-med student in the UK. He said, “I wanted to support, you know, the student movements that are happening across the country against injustice.”
Shaikh says he is specifically concerned about medical personnel being in unsafe conditions.
“I feel like the way that they’ve been treating health care workers, especially, it’s heinous. And I think it’s important that we’re all coming out to show our support,” Shaikh said.
He says he’s glad students and others have a safe place to express their voices.
“I’m working at night, so I wanted to come stop by and show my support before that. But I look forward to continuing to come out.” Shaikh said.
The protest was led by leaders of the organization who say issues of human welfare like lack of food, water, shelter and medical aid in the war-torn region of Gaza.
Other students like Madison Rymer and her friends say peaceful protests are imperative.
“No one wants people to be hurt and we’re all just wanting to show that like we’re there for other people who are struggling and who aren’t as privileged as we are,” Rymer said.
The protesters believe they are raising awareness for others.
“I know that there’s been a lot of protests that haven’t gone well, that have maybe escalated the wrong way. And I think it’s just important to remember that we aren’t trying to bring attention to ourselves.” Nicole Combs said. “We’re trying to bring attention to what’s happening.”