The College Democrats of America has warned President Joe Biden that their "votes are not to be taken for granted."
The organization boasts that it is “the official collegiate arm of the Democratic National Committee.”
In a lengthy statement about the handling of the pro-Palestine protests on college campuses, the organization wrote, "There is nothing more American than the right to protest peacefully for what is right."
The College Democrats did not hold back in their belief that Israel is committing genocide, writing, “Since the beginning of this conflict, College Democrats and students from every walk of life have had the moral clarity to see this war for what it is: destructive, genocidal, and unjust.”
"The freedom of speech, assembly, and protest is not just one enshrined in our constitution, but one that has been a tradition in America for generations, ranging from movements surrounding civil rights, the Vietnam War, LGBTQ equality, and more recently Climate Change," the statement continued. "We commend the bravery of students across the country who have been willing to endure arrests, suspension, and threats of expulsion to stand up for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people."
— College Democrats of America (@CollegeDems) April 30, 2024
The group wrote that they condemn "the rise of hatred, as Jewish and Muslim students have no control over the ongoing conflict." However, they added that "it should be made abundantly clear that calling for the freedom of Palestinians is not Antisemitic, and neither is opposing the genocidal acts of the far-right radical extremist Israeli government."
The organization said that while it is committed to Biden's re-election, it "reserves the right to criticize" its party when it "fails to represent youth voices."
"The White House has taken the mistaken route of a bear hug strategy for Netanyahu and a cold should strategy for its own base and all Americans who want to see an end to this war. Each day that Democrats fail to stand united for a permanent ceasefire, two-state solution, and recognition of a Palestinian state, more and more youth find themselves disillusioned with the party."
The organization reiterated its support for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Additionally, it said that it supports students' demands for divestment.
In a subsequent post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the College Democrats wrote: College Democrats’ votes are not to be taken for granted by the Democratic Party. We reserve the right to criticize our party when it fails to listen to us.
— College Democrats of America (@CollegeDems) May 1, 2024
"College Democrats’ votes are not to be taken for granted by the Democratic Party. We reserve the right to criticize our party when it fails to listen to us."