NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) has issued a call for the Princeton University administration to engage with students regarding their demands. This appeal comes in response to the administration’s treatment of peaceful student protests and encampments as threatening, which CAIR-NJ criticizes as harmful and endangering to students. The organization urges the university to consider the students’ requests for divestment, statements supporting a ceasefire, and amnesty for protesters.
CAIR-NJ also recognized the efforts of student hunger strikers who, on Wednesday, concluded a 12-day strike aimed at protesting Princeton University’s alleged support for a country accused of committing genocide.
“Students at Princeton University have shown their resilience through their 12-day long hunger strike, which has resulted in extreme weight loss and other significant implications to their health. Their determination to exercise their rights and stand up for justice is commendable,” CAIR NJ said.
The strike resulted in severe health impacts for the participants, including rapid weight loss and exhaustion. Selaedin Maksut, the Executive Director of CAIR-NJ, emphasized the need for the university administration to better protect students engaged in such protests and commended the students for their resilience and determination in standing up for justice.
CAIR is committed to protecting civil rights, promoting a better understanding of Islam, advocating for justice, and empowering American Muslims.
According to healthline.com, starvation can occur when food intake is severely restricted, or when the body cannot digest food to absorb nutrients. The body has used up its glucose reserves and will begin to break down fatty tissue.
After 12 days, Other effects of starvation include:
- Cognitive changes
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heartbeat
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Bloating, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, and fluctuations in blood sugar levels
- Difficulty concentrating and sleep issues
- Irregular or stopped menstruation
- Weakened bones
- Metabolic rate drop
- Core temperature drop