**A source in this story elected to remain confidential due to safety concerns.**
During the University of Illinois System President Timothy Killeen’s physics discussion, pro-Palestinian supporters called for University system divestment from companies profiting from the Israel-Hamas war. The colloquium was held in the Loomis Laboratory auditorium on Wednesday afternoon.
Following UIPD presence and protesters leaving the auditorium, Killeen said the war in Gaza is not in the UI System’s control.
A longtime geophysicist turned administrator, Killeen — who has served as president of the UI System for the last nine years — visited to speak on his career background beginning in physics and the potential in progressive scientific endeavors for the University.
Killeen discussed multiple of his satellite missions — one of which flies over Champaign-Urbana twice daily — his atmospheric breakthroughs and ventures to the sea floor.
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His speech lasted about 20 minutes before a crowd member stood up and began speaking, which Killeen paused for.
“Tim Killeen, the investments of the Board of Trustees — which you oversee — are directly responsible for killing over 40,000 Palestinians,” the individual said.
A substantial crowd gathered for Killeen’s physics conversation. Many attendees brought computers and notebooks. A smaller portion brought keffiyehs, Palestinian flags and signs.
“Tim, your investments are Killeen Palestinians,” a sign said.
According to the protesters, the University has refused to meet with them for the last year as Israel continues to kill civilian Palestinians in their military campaign in Gaza.
“We are left with no choice but to disrupt events like these to make our voices heard,” one protester said.
Chants began to fill the auditorium as several protesters stood up and others passed out flyers asking the University to take moral responsibility for its investments.
“Israel bombs, U of I paid $27,000,000 to these companies profiting from genocide in FY23,” the flyer said.
Per information obtained about the University system portfolio for fiscal year 2023 through the Freedom of Information Act, the system has financial investments in BAE Systems PLC., Boeing Co., Northrop Grumman Co., Caterpillar Inc. and Lockheed Martin Co. All of these companies were present on the Action Center for Corporate Accountability’s divestment list of companies facilitating human rights violations or breaking international law in Gaza.
Eduardo Fradkin, a professor in Engineering, was the first to compete with the protesters’ volume. He asked them to “shut up” and expressed how this moment, despite his agreement with their protest, was for learning.
Several protesters then made their way to the front of the auditorium as chants transitioned into speeches.
“I really want a free Palestine,” said one attendee, a junior in Engineering.
Still, he questioned the need to interrupt the physics symposium. “People are here to learn,” the attendee said.
Amid the chanting, Killeen and the hosting professors caucused as several attendees left the auditorium. The disruption lasted around 20 minutes before UIPD was called into the building. Those involved were told to leave, and the discussion resumed.
“It’s pressure to come and talk and get accused of things,” Killeen said. “I’m sorry you had to live with that. I’ve been through that a number of times already … it’s to be expected. This is pressure … to perform in front of an audience.”
Acknowledging the protesters, Killeen showed sympathy.
“I care about these young people,” Killeen said. “They are agonized … they are in pain. I understand that on many dimensions, but we don’t have the agency to solve all of the problems in the world.”
