A pro‑Palestinian hunger strike at Yale University ended after ten days as participants cited worsening health and a lack of response from administration. The protest, led by Yalies4Palestine, aimed to pressure the university into divesting from Israel-linked institutions and meeting directly with President Maurie McInnis. This latest campus action reflects growing tensions over the Israel‑Gaza conflict and free speech on college campuses.
Protesters began the strike on May 10 with six members, eventually joined by staff and alumni; it officially concluded on May 19 due to declining health, including one striker losing 10 pounds and another experiencing hypoglycemia with blood‑sugar dropping to 39 mg/dL—a dangerous level. University rules prohibit encampments in administrative buildings, and officials declined requests for further meetings, warning that unauthorized events risk disciplinary action.
The Hunger Strike demanded Yale sever ties with defense contractors and Israeli institutions such as Tel Aviv University. The group criticized Yale leadership, stating: “With a heavy heart, yet out of precaution and due to deteriorating health conditions, we collectively decided to end the hunger strike” and accused the university of silencing student voices. This follows the university’s earlier move to revoke Yalies4Palestine’s official status due to alleged antisemitic conduct.
Despite public appeals, Yale’s response remained firm. Administrators offered medical support and reaffirmed that the strike did not violate expression policies, but refused to alter funding partnerships or engage further. One Yale Daily News report noted dwindling options available to activists after an initial meeting with student affairs officials failed to yield commitments. Protesters maintained the strike was a last resort after other forms of protest failed to produce results.
