Despite crackdowns and arrests, pro-Palestine protests continue to escalate on university campuses across the United States. Inspired by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, students are demanding divestment from Israel and a ceasefire.
At Columbia University, where 108 students were arrested and three suspended last week, the police crackdown has only fueled opposition. Students from other campuses, including Yale, MIT, and NYU, have joined the movement, setting up encampments and organizing demonstrations. Despite efforts by university administrations to quell the protests, they have persisted amid mounting calls for divestment.
Pro-Palestinian protests have also become prevalent at academic institutions such as the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley. At NYU, 133 protesters were detained after allegedly throwing bottles at police attempting to clear encampments. Student Byul Yoon condemned the arrests as “outrageous” and highlighted the protesters’ demands for divestment from weapons corporations and the Israeli occupation.
MIT student Quinn Perian criticized the school’s involvement in the violence unfolding in Gaza, citing the university’s significant investments in projects related to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. UC Berkeley Student and Protest Organizer Malak Afaneh emphasized the protesters’ unwavering commitment to their cause, declaring their willingness to risk suspension and arrest for divestment.
In a defiant move, protesters at Yale University rejected negotiations with the administration, leading to the arrest of 60 protesters, including 47 students. Harvard University has implemented preventive measures, locking gates and restricting access to its famed Harvard Yard. However, encampments have been established, and protests continue despite the warnings.
Every attempt to suppress the protests seems to amplify the resistance, galvanizing more individuals to join the pro-Palestine cause. The determination of these students serves as a testament to their unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their demands for justice and peace.
