11 am, Feb. 1, 2024
Administration Building
Gateway Technical College
3520 30th Ave
Kenosha WI
Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine decries the decision by Gateway Technical College to rescind the MLK Humanitarian Award to the Burlington Coalition for Dismantling Racism (BCDR). This decision was ill-informed, based on a misreading of the phrase “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” which BCD Racism President Lauren Bielefeldt posted to FaceBook. This phrase is not anti-Semitic, it is anti-Zionist, a simple phrase that encapsulates the struggle seven million Palestinians endure for sovereignty, democracy and survival on the lands they have called home for hundreds of generations.
As advocates for justice in Palestine and as residents of the United States, we recognize the narrowing of political discourse currently prevalent in the US. Advocating for Palestinian children and women and criticizing Israeli apartheid should be applauded. Freedom of speech is enshrined in our constitution and protected under the law. We recognize this action as part of the continued rise of repressive attacks on those who advocate for Palestine.
The rescinding of the award to BCDR is an effort to silence justice advocates rather than allowing them to take a stand. Dr. King himself was often criticized for not remaining impartial. He chose to work for racial justice, making himself vulnerable to charges of all kinds. Yet, he bravely persisted. Few today criticize his principled courage.
Our coalition represents over sixty organizations from a diverse range of faith and political perspectives, including Jewish organizations, committed to fighting antisemitism. Together, we advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US aid to Israel and to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, which has been proclaimed illegal under international law. We are deeply concerned about the message sent to students and staff of color at Gateway campuses, including Palestinian students. Should freedom of speech not apply to those who advocate for the sovereignty, dignity and survival of the Palestinians? We have sent a letter to President Raju and Vice President Morris respectfully asking for the restoration of the award to BCDR and inviting them to meet with representatives of our coalition, but have not had a response from them.
Our coalition represents over sixty organizations from a diverse range of faith and political perspectives, including Jewish organizations, committed to fighting antisemitism. Together, we advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US aid to Israel and to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, which has been proclaimed illegal under international law. We are deeply concerned about the message sent to students and staff of color at Gateway campuses, including Palestinian students. Should freedom of speech not apply to those who advocate for the sovereignty, dignity and survival of the Palestinians? We have sent a letter to President Raju and Vice President Morris respectfully asking for the restoration of the award to BCDR and inviting them to meet with representatives of our coalition, but have not had a response from them.
Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 
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