Sophia Knowlton-Latkin

Overview

Sophia Knowlton-Latkin has demonized Israel, expressed support for violent protesters and served as the “head officer” for Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at the Claremont Colleges (Claremont SJP) in 2019. 

Knowlton-Latkin is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

In May 2020, Knowlton-Latkin was listed on a Scripps College (Scripps) website as slated to graduate in 2020. She appeared [02:06:57] in a livestream video of the “Commencement Celebration Ceremony for the Classes of 2020 and 2021” that occurred on May 21, 2022.

In December 2019, Knowlton-Latkin was reportedly a human biology major at Scripps. 

Scripps is one of five undergraduate colleges and two graduate colleges that share a campus in Claremont, California. The colleges are a consortium called The Claremont Colleges (Claremont) and alternatively are known as “5Cs” or “7Cs.”

As of May 2022, whitepages.com indicated that Knowlton-Latkin was located in Clarksville, Maryland. On the website, she was listed as “Sophia Elise Knowlton-Latkin.” 

Demonizing Israel

On May 4, 2020, Knowlton-Latkin published her senior thesis alleging that Israel has targeted Palestinian women, including (pp. 20) through “rape” and “sexualized terror,” since women (p. 2) “proliferate political resistance by bearing children and raising families.” 

Knowlton-Latkin’s thesis also claimed (p. 45) that Palestinians live under “genocidal conditions.” The thesis was titled: “Bearing Life and Living Resistance: Women’s Health and Political Determinants in Occupied Palestine.” 

In the thesis, Knowlton-Latkin also said (p. 28): “The genocidal endeavor of the ongoing Nakba functions as both a form of population control and a method of corroding Palestinian resistance.”

Nakba is generally translated as “catastrophe” in Arabic, referring to the outcome of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. It is a term often used to delegitimize the creation of the State of Israel by defining it as a catastrophe. 

Knowlton-Latkin’s thesis relied (p. 17) on a series of maps popular among anti-Israel activists which she claimed showed Israeli “colonization of Palestinian land from before the beginning of the Nakba in 1947 to 2019.” In a Vimeo video where she presented her thesis, she said that she used [03:57:21] the maps to develop a “social-ecological health model.”

The maps claim that lands once controlled by Britain, Egypt and Jordan as autonomous “Palestinian land,” were purportedly stolen by Israel. In February 2016, publisher McGraw-Hill Education recalled copies of a college-level textbook that contained the fraudulent maps. In October 2015, the United States cable news network MSNBC apologized for airing a similar series of maps and retracted them.

Knowlton-Latkin’s senior thesis also demonized (p. 19) an Israeli security barrier as “a 440-mile concrete separation barrier more aptly described as Israel’s ‘apartheid wall.’”

Israel’s security barrier, 97% of which is a low chain-link barrier, was built as a deterrent to Palestinian terror attacks. The concrete portions of the fence were built in response to Palestinian sniper attacks. 

Knowlton-Latkin’s thesis also showed (p. 19) support for the “right of return” and said (p. 19): “In summary, the biopolitical control that Israel exercises over the Palestinian population today is the product of Zionist settler colonialism.” 

The “right of return” is a Palestinian demand discredited as a means to eliminate Israel. International law mandates no absolute right of return and UN Resolution 194, which defined principles for “refugees wishing to return to their homes,” was unanimously rejected by Arab nations following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Knowlton-Latkin retweeted a June 25, 2020 tweet quoting a prominent anti-Israel activist, that read: “‘Palestine under Israeli occupation is the worst possible example of a carceral society.’ —Angela Davis.”

Knowlton-Latkin retweeted a May 27, 2021 tweet from the anti-Israel Sunrise Movement that included a video accusing [00:00:49] Israel of “73 years of relentless colonization” and [00:01:56] “apartheid.” The tweet included a link to a petition demanding the U.S. government “end military funding to Israel and sanction Israeli apartheid.”

The video also said [00:00:04]: “When I see my people rise in Sheikh Jarrah... I can't help but think of Ferguson,” referring to riots after the deadly August 2014 shooting of black teenager Michael Brown, by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

In May 2021, Palestinian violence erupted in anticipation of an Israel High Court ruling on eviction proceedings concerning over 70 Palestinian tenants illegally residing in Jewish-owned properties in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah.

Supporting Violent Rioters

Knowlton-Latkin retweeted a May 14, 2018 tweet posted by anti-Israel activist Yousef Munayyer during the violent [00:00:15] March of Return, that said: "Israeli military opens fire on Palestinian protesters again, killing dozens and injuring hundreds more.”

In May 2018, violent riots, instigated by Hamas on the Israeli-Gaza border, saw thousands of rioters attempting numerous breaches of Israel’s border fence, with participants declaring their intention to harm Jews across the border under the pretext of “peaceful resistance.”

On May 16, 2018, a Hamas senior official, Salah al-Bardawil, stated that 50 out of 62 protesters killed during the May 14 Gaza border protest were Hamas operatives. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also claimed that three of its members were killed at the same protest.

Knowlton-Latkin retweeted a March 30, 2018 tweet that said: “Following the establishment of Israel, Prime Minister David Ben Gurion ordered the army to shoot and kill any Palestinian who dared cross the new borders to return to their land. 70 years later, the IDF is implementing the exact same policy at the Gaza's ‘Great Return March.’”

On March 30, 2018, some 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza approached Israel’s border to take part in “Land Day Protests” or the “March of Return.” The March of Return 
was organized and funded by Hamas as a campaign of violent protests along Israel’s border to spotlight the demand of Palestinians to “return” to Israel. 

The “right of return” is a Palestinian demand discredited as a means to eliminate Israel.

SJP Activism

On December 16, 2019, Knowlton-Latkin was reportedly the “head officer” of Claremont SJP.

On November 19, 2019, the Claremont student newspaper, The Student Life, reported that Knowlton-Latkin co-organized a Claremont SJP event hosting anti-Israel activists Abby Martin and Mike Prysner on November 14, 2019.

In their activist careers, Martin and Prysner have compared [00:00:13] or equated Israel to Nazi Germany and spread anti-Israel propaganda. Prysner has also defended terrorism.

Another Claremont publication, the Claremont Independent, reported that Martin “defended Hamas and placed sole blame on Israel for the lack of peace between both states.” 

Hamas has been designated aterrorist organizationby the European Union, Canada, Australia, the United States and Israel.

Also at the Claremont SJP event, Martin further reportedly accused a Jewish student journalist of being “associated with ‘white nationalists’” and claimed that “‘it is the US Empire and its criminal proxies that are preventing international justice and Israel from being held accountable.’” Prysner also called Israel an American “‘attack dog.’” 

Supporting a 2019 BDS Campaign

In March 2019, Knowlton-Latkin signed a Claremont SJP petition in support of a Pitzer College (Pitzer) College Council motion to suspend the college’s study abroad program with the University of Haifa in Israel. Pitzer is an undergraduate college at Claremont. 

On March 19, 2019, Knowlton-Latkin promoted to Twitter the Claremont SJP petition she signed, and commented: “please sign to support the academic boycott of israel! as student activists, we will not stand by as our college finances apartheid and would really appreciate your support!”

Claremont SJP - Overview  

Claremont SJP has expressed support for terrorists, called for Israel’s destruction and rejected dialogue. The group has also demonized Israel, promoted anti-Israel agitators and campaigned for the BDS movement.

Claremont SJP - Demonizing Israel 2018-2019  

On April 2, 2019, Claremont SJP hosted an event titled “The Washings: Pinkwashing, Greenwashing, and Faithwashing,” as part of PFW 2019. The Facebook event page accused Israel of “settler colonialism” and also said: “The Washing Campaign has been fundamental in sustaining Israeli apartheid by way of presenting Israel as a progressive entity in an effort to deflect from state-sanctioned crimes against Palestine.”

“Pinkwashing” is an accusation anti-Israel activists use to demean Israel’s engagement with the LGBTQ community as a publicity ruse. “Greenwashing” is an accusation that Israel advocates manipulate the environmental community in order to gain support for Israel. “Faithwashing” is an accusation that supporters of Israel engage in interfaith dialogue to promote a pro-Zionist agenda.  

On March 27, 2019, Claremont SJP hosted an event titled “Open Air & Cages: Prison Abolition from Attica to Gaza,” as part of PFW 2019, held on campus from March 25 - April 7, 2019. The event’s Facebook page called the United States and Israel “white supremacist and settler colonial projects.” 

The same event page also said: “This event will work through the solidarity pacts of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Black Panther party who attempted to draw ‘comparisons between racial capitalism in the United States and Israel ...’”

Yasser Arafat, known as the “father of modern terrorism,” was the former leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). During the second intifada, Arafat encouraged children to carry out “martyrdom” operations against Israel.
The Black Panther Party (BPP) was a revolutionary Marxist political organization founded by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton in 1966. BPP advocated the use of violence and guerilla tactics to overthrow the U.S. government. BPP members were involved in many fatal firefights with police; in 1967, Newton allegedly killed police officer John Frey. 

On March 25, 2019, Claremont SJP hosted an event titled, “Visit the Mock Apartheid Wall,” where they built a wall on campus meant to simulate Israel’s security barrier.

Claremont SJP - Promoting Anti-Israel Agitators 2019-2020

On November 14, 2019, Claremont SJP hosted a film screening event featuring anti-Israel activists Abby Martin and Mike Prysner, where Martin reportedly “defended Hamas and placed sole blame on Israel for the lack of peace between both states.” 

Hamas has been designated aterrorist organizationby the European Union, Canada, Australia, the United States and Israel.

Martin was a former anchor for Russian state news agency RT and Venezuelan state news agency Telasur. She has compared [00:00:13] Israel to Nazi Germany and spread anti-Israel propaganda. Martin’s husband, Michael Prysner has defended terrorism and has referred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as the “Apartheid Defense Forces.”At the Claremont SJP event, Martin reportedly accused a Jewish student journalist of being “associated with ‘white nationalists.’” Prysner also called Israel an “attack dog” of the United States.

At the same event, Claremont SJP screened the film “Gaza Fights for Freedom,” which Prysner and Martin directed and produced. The film’s website said: “Gaza’s protest movement like you’ve never seen before. Filmed during the height of the Great March Of Return protests, it features exclusive footage of demonstrations where 200 unarmed civilians have been killed by Israeli snipers since March 30, 2018.”

On March 30, 2018, some 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza approached Israel’s border to take part in “Land Day Protests” or the “March of Return.” The March of Return 
was organized and funded by Hamas as a campaign of violent protests along Israel’s border to spotlight the demand of Palestinians to “return” to Israel. 

The “right of return” is a Palestinian demand discredited as a means to eliminate Israel.

March participants declared their intention to harm Jews across the border under the pretext of “peaceful resistance.” Participants also attempted to breach the border fence, which caused the Israeli Defense Forces to respond with live fire.

Claremont SJP - Campaigning for BDS 2018-2019

On November 18, 2018, Claremont SJP issued a statement supporting a pro-BDS faculty vote to suspend Pitzer’s study abroad program with the University of Haifa in Israel, which Pitzer had run since 2007. Professor Daniel Segal, the Claremont SJP and Claremont JVP faculty advisor, led the boycott campaign. 

In March 2019, the Pitzer College Council (PCC) also voted to suspend the program, but Pitzer President Melvin Oliver said he would veto the PCC recommendation. The PCC is a body of student and faculty members who vote on recommendations to the Pitzer president.

SJP

SJP is a student organization engaged in anti-Israel activity on North American college and university campuses.

The first chapter of SJP was founded in 2001 at the University of California at Berkeley by Professor Hatem Bazian. Bazian has spread classic anti-Semitism, reportedly promoted religious anti-Semitism and defended the Hamas terror group. In 2004, Bazian called for “intifada” in America.

SJP organizes anti-Israel campaigns, including running annual Israel Apartheid Weeks, often in collaboration with Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and Muslim Students Association (MSA) campus chapters.

SJP has been a major force in pushing the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement on campuses. Chapters have initiated dozens of BDS resolutions in student governments, which have been proposed on or around Jewish holidays, a time when many Jewish students are off-campus.

SJP activists have reportedly physically assaulted, intimidated and harassed Jewish students, disrupted pro-Israel campus events and demonized pro-Israel campus organizations.

Chapters have often endorsed and campaigned for numerous terrorists and whitewashed terrorism.

BDS

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement was founded by Omar Barghouti in 2005 to challenge “international support for Israeli apartheid and settler-colonialism.” BDS is an allegedly “Palestinian-led movement,” although leading BDS activists have admitted [00:01:01] this is not true. 

One of the demands of BDS includes [point 3] what is generally known as the “right of return,” a demand discredited as a way to eliminate Israel. Barghouti said the “right of return” is a means to “end Israel’s existence as a Jewish state.”  

Barghouti has said that BDS “aims to turn Israel into a pariah state, as South Africa once was.”

In his activism, Barghouti has also said [00:05:55] regarding Israel: “Definitely, most definitely, we oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine. No…rational Palestinian, not a sellout Palestinian, will ever accept a Jewish state in Palestine.”

The movement has been linked to numerous terrorist organizations and received a public endorsement from Hamas in 2017.

BDS initiatives include calling on institutions and individuals to divest from Israeli-affiliated companies, promoting academic and cultural boycotts of Israel, and organizing anti-Israel rallies, protests and campaigns.

The movement’s most notable achievement has been the infiltration of university campuses through lobbying for “BDS resolutions.” In these cases, student governments and student groups, backed by their own anti-Israel members and affiliates, have proposed resolutions on some form of boycott of, or divestment from, Israel and Israeli-affiliated entities.

Boycott resolutions, although non-binding, have been passed by student governments on numerous North American campuses.

BDS activity is often aggressive and disruptive. It has been noted that universities that pass BDS resolutions see a marked increase in anti-Semitic incidents on campus. On one campus, when the student government debated a BDS resolution, reports emerged of violent threats against those opposing it.