Princeton School District To Investigate ‘Divisive, Hurtful’ Chant By Student Protestors

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton School District sent out a message to the community saying they were opening an investigation into a “divisive and hurtful” chant by some students during Thursday’s walkout.

According to school authorities, they were made aware of a video in which some students were seen chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” The slogan has come under intense scrutiny since the Israel-Hamas conflict.

About 50 students from Princeton High School walked out of campus on Thursday afternoon, to join the protestors at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Princeton University.

In a follow-up email to the community, Acting Superintendent Kathie Foster said the school district was investigating an incident where a small group of students chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

“We have become aware of a video apparently taken at the high school and posted online of a small number of students chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” We recognize that this phrase is divisive and hurtful to many members of our community,” Foster said.

“We take that seriously and remain steadfast in our expectation that students must be accountable to consider the impact of their words, even when engaging in protected activity.”

Students who reached out to Patch said they had no intention of being divisive or hurtful. They characterized their march as “pro-peace” and “pro-ceasefire.”

In her email, Foster said that although the district will investigate the students, they are committed to facilitating a deeper understanding between all students.

“Although we will investigate today’s incidents through the lens of our PHS Code of Conduct, we are equally committed to using this moment as an opportunity to facilitate a deeper and more empathetic understanding of each other, consistent with our mission to prepare all of our students to be knowledgeable and compassionate citizens of a global society,” Foster said.

What does “From the river to the sea...” mean?

The slogan is a decades-old rallying cry for pro-Palestinian activists and demonstrators, which has also drawn intense scrutiny.

According to demonstrators, the call is for peace and equality after almost 75 years of Israeli statehood, wrote the AP.

Pro-Israel groups, including the U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League, have deemed the slogan antisemitic.

“This rallying cry has long been used by anti-Israel voices, including supporters of terrorist organizations such as Hamas and the PFLP, which seek Israel’s destruction through violent means,” according to ADL.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com