By Yassir Azzam
On Monday, Nov. 11, Brooklyn College hosted United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed as part of this year’s Presidential Lecture Series. The series features engaging discussions between President Michelle J. Anderson and a variety of guest speakers.
During the lecture, President Anderson and Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed discussed the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were developed between 1990 and 2017. President Anderson highlighted the pressing challenge of meeting these goals, emphasizing that “only 17% of the sustainable development goals are on track with just six years left until the 2030 deadline.”
The conversation covered various topics related to the SDGs and reflected on Mohammed’s extensive career, which included serving as a presidential sustainability advisor to four Nigerian presidents before she was appointed the U.N.’s Deputy Secretary-General.
“We designed numerous schools, universities, and hospitals, but the resources were never the resources to actually make them work for people,” Mohammed shared, reflecting on her experience in Nigeria. Mohammed then pivoted to the U.N.’s struggle in transitioning business models to utilize less fossil fuel.
However, not everyone agreed with hosting Mohammed at BC. Approximately 30 minutes before the event, the Brooklyn College Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) called on their Instagram for students to protest the Deputy Secretary-General’s presence, stating that, “Amina J. Mohammed has blood on her hands.” The post also called for protestors to show up with flags an kuffiyehs.
Towards the end of the talk, President Anderson posed questions submitted by both current and former BC students to Mohammed. During this, a group of pro-Palestine protesters entered the auditorium and were guided to seats. The group was carrying a poster depicting a deceased child, according to footage captured by The Vanguard.
As President Anderson concluded her remarks, Mohammed acknowledged the protesters, stating, “I can see some of our […] supporting Palestine in the back. What I really do want to say is the war in Gaza needs to end yesterday.”
The protesters responded by chanting, “Free, free Palestine.” Another addressed her directly, asking her to explain what she had done to prevent the killings of Palestinians in Gaza.
“Amina Mohammed, how do you feel given the position that you’re in being a genocide enabler?” the protestor asked.
“I have to tell you I am not a genocide enabler […] what we do every day is to try and bring an end to the war in Gaza,” Mohammed responded. President Anderson attempted to facilitate a conversation with the protestors and Mohammed, but was unsuccessful.
President Anderson closed the event amid a chorus of chants from the protesters as Mohammed was escorted offstage by her security team. A woman who pursued the Deputy Secretary-General backstage with a sign was subsequently apprehended and escorted out, according to footage captured by The Vanguard.
Following the event, SJP members gathered in the Tow Building lobby, continuing their chants in the aisles of the reception area, according to audio obtained by The Vanguard. Chants included “While you’re eating, Gaza is bleeding” as protesters made their way toward attendees eating food provided by the reception.
When asked for a comment, BC administration directed The Vanguard to a public statement issued on Nov. 12, which addressed the incident by stating they support freedom to protest, but do not allow for the harassment of the attendees
“Protesters disrupted a reception for audience members held thereafter in the performing arts center […] BC protects students’ rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. That freedom does not include the ability to disrupt scheduled events or harass others,” the statement read.
The statement also mentioned that the matter had been referred to the Office of Diversity and Equity and Judicial Affairs for further action.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as they are made available.