Boston College students and faculty protested Thursday, condemning activism suppression, demanding investment transparency, and criticizing BC’s silence on Gaza. Speakers called for divestment and accused the administration of stifling student rights.

Boston College faculty held a vigil for victims of the war in Gaza with music, speeches, and student reflections on Wednesday. At the door to the event, two uniformed BCPD officers checked the backpacks and BC IDs of attendees while two more plainclothes officers monitored the room, according to M. Brinton Lykes, organizer of the event.

An important part of Gaza’s history is its role as a link between Asia and Africa, according to Dana Sajdi.

Mahmoud El-Rifai asked a crowd of Boston College students, faculty, and student groups to reflect on the rising numbers of deaths in Gaza during the “Prayer for Palestine” event on Thursday night.