The University of Maryland Student Government Association recently announced the results of its elections for the 2025-26 school year, ushering in a new cohort of student leaders and signaling shifting priorities among the student body.
A total of 3,630 students voted in favor of the divestment initiative, a non-binding referendum urging the university to divest from certain defense and security companies. Support for the referendum accounted for 55% of the total votes.
Divestment’s passage reflects a broader national trend in response to international conflicts. College campuses nationwide have seen a surge in pro-Palestine activism sparked by the terror attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. While the referendum is non-binding and does not compel the university to take immediate action, the results place greater pressure on UMD administration to respond and is a key win for pro-Palestine groups across campus.
Candidates from multiple electoral slates secured key positions across the student government. President-elect Dhruvak Mirani represents Our College Park, a platform that strives to make UMD a safer, more inclusive and accessible community, according to their platform. Our College Park seeks to prioritize student safety through better mental health services, improved lighting and campus transportation and supports student organizations and professional development. Joining Mirani in the executive branch is Riona Sheikh, elected vice president on the JusticeUMD ticket. JusticeUMD has advocated strongly for divestment, and emphasized diversity, equity and inclusion throughout campus life. The UMD Students for Justice in Palestine chapter endorsed the party on Apr. 1, 2025. 26 JusticeUMD candidates secured positions out of 42 spots in the student government, representing various academic colleges within UMD.
This election’s results continue a turbulent chapter of student politics at UMD, particularly around issues related to Israel and Palestine, with student activism and debates intensifying. Amid the charged atmosphere surrounding student government, Terps for Israel came under fire in the last days of the election, with the student government commission determining that the group bribed prospective student voters to vote against divestment.
Maryland Hillel released a statement Monday night on Instagram. “Maryland Hillel is deeply disappointed, yet incredibly proud of the efforts by our pro-Israel students who worked extremely hard to oppose this measure,” said Maryland Hillel executive director Ari Israel in the post.
