TMU Student Walkouts for Palestine: Here’s Why They Matter

The recent student-led walkouts at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) emphasize how important university activism is in advocating for Palestinian rights and raising awareness of global injustices.

In reaction to increasing violence and humanitarian crises around the world, students at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) are using their voices and organizing walkouts to condemn the Israel-Hamas War and demonstrate their solidarity for Palestine. The increase in activism reflects a growing awareness of the sociopolitical background that underlies the Israel-Palestine conflict and the urgent need to address violations of human rights.

Student Activism as a Vehicle for Change

The current wave of student walkouts at TMU reflects an ongoing campaign for justice. Similar to how the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has brought attention to institutional racism and police brutality, student walkouts for Palestine seek to highlight the injustices faced by Palestinians living under occupation. The common thread between these movements includes advocating for human rights and structural change, as well as promoting a sense of solidarity with communities that face oppression.

Students recognize that banding together can spread awareness, provide a voice for groups that are often silenced, and bring about change. The current wave of protests and walkouts we are witnessing provides a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice and that solidarity can be found anywhere. When united behind a cause, students can urge governments and institutions to address pressing political issues.

The Importance of Student Walkouts

Simply put, a walkout is a powerful form of protest that demonstrates students’ unwillingness to stay silent on issues that are important to them. Walkouts go beyond just skipping class, students are demanding action and accountability on social justice concerns through their participation.

The leaders behind these demonstrations are not only demanding immediate change but are also laying down the foundation for future activism. While these walkouts create a stir in the present, they also set the tone for ongoing and future efforts. As more students participate in walkouts, they contribute to the development of a campus culture where activism is valued and normalized.

Walkouts for Palestine at TMU (@TMUStudentStrike)

Despite its reputation for having a diverse student body, “TMU does not have a history of activism on campus,” explains a member of TMU Students Strike for Palestine, Azirel Kerbel. “We are trying to build that.”

Kerbel’s comments are consistent with a growing student perspective that the university needs to address social issues. With @TMUStudentStrike, a new wave of student activism has been on the rise, mirroring other universities in Toronto. The group aims to create an atmosphere on campus where activism is not only welcomed but also incorporated into the university’s fundamental principles.

Recalling back to 2021, approximately 1,000 protestors gathered at TMU in a powerful act of protest, calling for the removal of Egerton Ryerson’s statue and a name change because of the university’s problematic connections to Canada’s residential school system. The statue would “not be restored or replaced,” according to university President Mohamed Lachemi, marking a significant change in TMU’s perspective on its colonial history. As the Standing Strong Task Force (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) continues to address the need for change on campus, this movement reflects the larger concerns for social justice.

“It's about the administration itself, who are profiting off of this genocide. We don’t want these people representing us and in control of the money that's supposed to go into our education,” says Kerbel.

Kerbal says that TMU’s administration is not only causing significant harm but also controlling the funds that could be used to directly support Indigenous and marginalized students. This comment captures a great deal of frustration with the university administrators, who some believe are underfunding vital student resources while profiting from problematic historical legacies. An example of this would be the university’s ties to historical figure Egerton Ryerson, whose involvement in Canada’s residential school system is widely condemned. 

Students want leaders who truly reflect their needs and make ethical decisions related to their education. The feeling is a call for greater accountability. Rather than supporting institutions that appear to perpetuate the past, many believe we must make sure that university funding is directed toward programs that promote educational equity and reconciliation.

Performative Activism on Campus: The Vain Side of Walkouts

With the increasing number of student demonstrations taking place, the legitimacy of campus activism has been questioned. “I do believe there is a lot of performative activism in campus culture due to the walkouts,” says Alex Chen, another member of TMU Students Strike for Palestine. 

Performative activism is the idea that people join causes purely for show, rather than having a genuine commitment to the cause.

Chen’s comment suggests there is tension within the movement. Walkouts are an effective way to raise awareness, but they can also draw in people who are more concerned with gaining clout on social media for taking a stance than making a real difference. In a time when action is often broadcast online, Chen’s remarks serve as a reminder that genuine, informed engagement is necessary to make strides to end the war in Gaza—as is true for many social movements. To be effective, students must ensure that their activism is driven by a genuine desire for change over a desire for public attention and validation.

Social media platforms like Instagram have been very helpful in raising awareness and organizing the pro-Palestine walkouts at TMU. Digital posters shared online allow information concerning the strikes to be disseminated to students and professors rapidly. Many students are also motivated to become more deeply involved after reading social media posts about the ongoing conflict. “What motivated me was seeing all these posts online about Palestine. It felt so dystopian to see this happening, and I wanted to do more,” says Chen, noting how digital content spurs the transition from digital activism to real-world action.

What’s Next?

The message from TMU Students Strike for Palestine is clear: acting beyond simply liking or reposting content is necessary if you want to see lasting change. “If you want to see change, you have to step up and be part of it,” urges Kerbel. 

Students can access further resources and information on future meetings and walk-outs on the group’s Instagram page (@TMUStudentStrike).

Photos: Syd Deneau