Howdy everyone, hope your week is going well. This week’s podcast features an interview with Richmond-based journalist Goad Gatsby, who spoke to me as he was covering the Pro-Palestine protest at Virginia Commonwealth University this past Monday, which ended in officers from multiple law enforcement agencies sweeping the camp. 13 protesters were arrested, including 6 students.

Goad explains why the charge of “antisemitism” against these protest encampments on college campuses is misguided, and how Governor Glenn Youngkin and other conservatives have co-opted sincere efforts to curb antisemitism in Virginia into a means of suppressing dissent against Israel’s war on Gaza.

The events at VCU followed similar mass arrests of Pro-Palestine protesters at Virginia Tech and Mary Washington, and since Monday new protests have started at the University of Virginia and Christopher Newport. These are all part of a nationwide movement at college campuses calling for an end to Israel’s war on Gaza.

Here’s how you can support the protesters:

VCU Protester Bail Fund

Follow Students for Justice in Palestine at W&M on Instagram @sjpatwm

Donate to Virginia Tech Protester Support on Venmo @VT4Palestine

You can support Mary Washington protesters by calling (540) 654-1000 and asking the administration to not implement disciplinary measures against arrested students.

For updates on Christopher Newport protest follow @hamptonroads4palestine

For updates on UVA protest follow @sjpuva

Cover photo courtesy Goad Gatsby @GoadGatsby on X