Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Gather at Kent State University to Commemorate Historic Campus Tragedy

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Kent State University in Ohio on Saturday to remember the events of May 4, 1970. The protesters were focused on the war in Gaza, mirroring a similar campus demonstration that took place 54 years ago.

The activists stood in silence, forming a semicircle around a stage on Kent State's commons where speakers were paying tribute to the tragic events of 1970. This day marked the 54th anniversary of the demonstration that resulted in the deaths of four students and the injury of several others.

Remembering the Victims

Kent State's campus still bears the marks of the 1970 shooting. The exact locations where the four students lost their lives are now marked by illuminated columns. The tragedy also lives on through the song “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, forever immortalizing the sorrowful event.

Call for Change

Sophia Swengel, the president of the May 4 Task Force, delivered a speech to honor the victims and recognized the current protesters. Many demonstrators were advocating for the university to disinvest from weapons manufacturers and military contractors, displaying signs with their demands.