This was the latest in students' efforts to call on MSU to divest from Israel and other entities funding the nation since the war began last year. They have primarily focused on a $236,114 bond listed in the university’s 2023 investments as "Israel aid" which they say funds Israel’s war on Gaza.

The study-in concluded SJP’s week of action, which began Monday with a remembrance event at Beaumont Tower and included healing and educational events throughout the week. 

Comparative cultures and politics senior Jesse Estrada White, a member of the Hurriya Coalition, said despite the different approach, the students' demands remain the same. 

"The message is simple, and it’s been the same one that we’ve been sending for over a year now: divest and end your complicity in genocide," Estrada White said. 

Some of the demands Estrada White listed include the university rescinding its prior decision against considering divestment. He also called for MSU to take accountability for what he said was a "lie" about MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz’s appearance at the remembrance event.

Students did not see the president at Monday's event, though an MSU spokesperson later said he was there "on the periphery" for about a half hour. 

Estrada White requested that MSU provide proof that the Guskiewicz was at the event. He also requested MSU explain the presence of K9 dogs at the event. 

Speaking on the study-in, Estrada White said the protest would put pressure on MSU in a new way. 

"Today we’re not going to scream and shout at you," White said. "We’ve done that enough and you’re not listening. We’re going to come in here, we’re going to do our work, we’re going to make sure that you’re doing yours. You can’t walk past us."

SJP Vice President Nasim Barghouti said the purpose of the study-in was to peacefully remind administration that those calling for divestment still exist.

"We will not stop, and we will always take different approaches to accomplish our goals peacefully," Barghouti said. "Today’s another day where we are here to ask the Board of Trustees to put divestment back on the table and to retract the statement about Kevin Guskiewicz coming to our vigil, as we have proof and witnesses that say that he did not."

A teach-in was also held outside of the building. Professors spoke to students about topics such as the history of divestment at MSU and which countries and businesses they say are contributing to the war in Gaza.

James Madison College Associate Professor Waseem El-Rayes said told the students that their continued advocacy "heartens" him. 

"The fact that many of you have been doing this for a year, and you’re bringing new people, actually gives me hope," he said. "Seeing you gives me strength."

College of Education Associate Professor Shireen Al-Adeimi spoke to students about the current conflict in Lebanon and discussed the role of U.S. imperialism. 

"This is part of the U.S. agenda to exert their imperialist goals in what region they see fit, make alliances wherever they see fit, and throw the word 'democracy' and 'change' wherever it makes sense," Al-Adeimi said. 

Shortly after the teach-in concluded, students and attendees participated in a Q&A with the professors. They discussed different ways to call for action and what progress the divestment movement has made in the past year.