Aidan Vanhoof

Kieran Cameron and Aidan Vanhoof

April 29, 2026

“The protest, organized by Rowan Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), aimed to challenge the presence of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recruiters on campus, as well as continue to spread awareness regarding the continued violence that immigrants face at the hands of ICE agents.” (Contributor / Kieran Cameron)

Students who gathered on campus last week could hear the chants echoing across the student center plaza: “No hate, no fear! ICE has no business here!” 

The rallying cry against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was just one of many called for in the recent protest on April 23. The protest, organized by Rowan Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), aimed to challenge the presence of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recruiters on campus, as well as continue to spread awareness regarding the continued violence that immigrants face at the hands of ICE agents. 

“As an organization, we have been growing very frustrated with the [Rowan] administration on multiple fronts,” said a leading member of SJP. “It’s a multi-causal protest – we’re very frustrated about the engineering college’s choices to bring weapons manufacturers to campus.” 

The member explained that since SJP’s founding in 2023, their primary concern has been the oppression of the people in Palestine, as well as the increased targeting of immigrants in America. They also cited the presence of manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon at Rowan career fairs, all of whom are major contributors to mass violence overseas, as a sign of the University’s complicity in the ongoing violence. 

Demonstrators agreed, holding signs with such slogans as “Isreal Invades, Rowan Pays,” “RU Complicit?,” “Silence is Violence,” and “730 Days of Genocide. Divest Now!” 

Students and bystanders had many differing opinions on the presence of the protestors. Francesca White, an education major at Rowan, expressed surprise at the appearance of the protest, but professed overall support of the organization’s goal. 

“I didn’t know what was going on. I was actually just heading to the student center before my class. But then I saw it going on, and I’m a big supporter of Free Palestine and getting DHS off campus – all of that. I think it’s amazing, so I stopped by to join in a bit,” said White.

Ava Brennan, a psychology major and freshman, offered a conflicting perspective, however. 

“I think the protest is too loud and disruptive,” said Brennan. “I want [Rowan’s administration] to have the protestors demonstrate quietly.” 

The timing of this protest happened to coincide with Rowan’s ‘Bring your child to work’ event, and Brennan expressed an additional concern for the protest’s influence on the children on campus. 

“I think it’s inappropriate for [children] to see and hear politics and what is going wrong in the world,” said Brennan. 

SJP’s stance is clear; however, silence is violence. For them, keeping quiet about injustice is not an option. “If you’re ‘neutral,’ you’re complicit,” their handouts declared. 

Brennan’s perspective was not shared by Zach Christman, parent and Chair of the Department of Geography Planning, and Sustainability, who was attending the event with his family. 

“They [Rowan University administration] told us [the protest] would happen today, and that’s fine,” said Christman. “They’re just expressing their opinions, and they’re relatively peaceful today- it’s not such a big deal.” 

On whether he was concerned about how witnessing such a protest might impact his children, Christman only expressed excitement. 

“It’s kind of exciting to have such a vibrant campus and activities happening all around, and people are out showcasing [the] best of Rowan. Inclusivity is one of the best parts of Rowan,” said Christman. 

Dean of Student Affairs Kevin Koett also expressed his appreciation of the protest. 

“You never know the impact it’s going to have on somebody walking by,” said Koett. “I appreciate them doing it. Creating dialogue is always important.” 

While Koett did admit his concerns regarding the recent alleged vandalism occurring at a previous protest, he did continue to champion the importance of the work SJP is doing. 

“It’s very important for students to exercise their rights of speech, and I always learn something from the protests,” said Koett.  

Koett went on to explain that in the aftermath of a protest like this one, he sends the leaders invitations to speak further on their concerns. While changes in administration policy are dependent on a variety of factors, he is always open to listening and learning, and remains steadfast in protecting student’s rights to speech and assembly. 

For comments/questions about this story, DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email ottoch32@rowan.edu