Uncommitted delegates have organized a sit-in outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, demanding the inclusion of a pro-Palestinian speaker on the main stage. The deadline they set for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to respond has since passed without any acknowledgment.
The protest, initiated by a group known as the Uncommitted National Movement, kicked off on Wednesday night at the United Center. They expressed their desire for equality in representation alongside pro-Israel speakers.
Support has poured in from progressive figures like Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, along with a growing chorus of Democrats and liberal organizations that have raised concerns about the lack of Palestinian perspectives during the convention.
A letter from 118 Democratic leaders at various governmental levels stated, “Our shared values of justice, inclusion, and human dignity compel us to speak out on behalf of those whose voices are often silenced or marginalized.” They emphasized the importance of acknowledging the Palestinian experience, which has endured many challenges over the decades.
Despite their deadline of 6 p.m. CT on Thursday for program changes, DNC officials have remained silent. Earlier, the group “Muslim Women for Harris-Walz” chose to disband, citing the exclusion of a Palestinian speaker.
Georgia State Rep. Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian-American Democrat, aims to speak at the convention as events continue. While reports suggested DNC leadership offered a spot, Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that this claim was untrue and that the DNC had not acted transparently.
Romman shared her appreciation for the support she received on social media, stating her desire to unify behind Vice President Harris. She noted that many convention attendees have been showing solidarity by wearing ceasefire pins and Palestinian flags, showing the community’s spirit.
The letter to the DNC underscored the need for a range of voices to defeat Donald Trump and create a more hopeful future. The party’s 2024 platform advocates for a two-state solution while recognizing the need for meaningful progress for Palestinians alongside Israel’s right to defend itself.
Romman believes that this is a pivotal moment for Harris to reframe her stance away from the current administration’s policies regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.