In the wake of the recent arrest of over 100 demonstrators at Columbia University, student protests opposing Israel’s conflict with Hamas have erupted on numerous college campuses. These demonstrations have been organized by coalitions of student groups, each operating largely independently but drawing inspiration from their counterparts at other universities.
Protests have emerged on several campuses in recent days. Pro-Palestinian student protesters erected a tent encampment at Columbia University in New York City last week. Despite police attempts to clear the encampment on Thursday, resulting in over 100 arrests, the move only served to inspire similar protests across the country.
At Humboldt State University in California, students blocked entrances to an academic and administrative building on Monday, using furniture, tents, chains, and zip ties. Emerson College in Boston witnessed around 80 students and supporters occupying a courtyard, prompting the college to warn of possible violations of city ordinances.
Harvard University in Massachusetts locked most gates into its famous Harvard Yard ahead of classes, restricting access to those with school identification. New York University saw an encampment swell to hundreds of protesters, leading to the arrest of 133 individuals for disorderly conduct.
The University of California, Berkeley, hosted an encampment of around 30 tents, while the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor accommodated nearly 40 tents. Protesters at the University of Michigan wore masks provided upon entry and declined to identify themselves to reporters due to fears of university retribution.
At the University of Minnesota, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar joined a protest after police removed an encampment in front of the library, resulting in nine arrests. Yale University also witnessed the arrest of 48 protesters, including non-students, for refusing to leave an encampment on a central campus plaza.
University officials have responded to these protests with varying approaches. Some have extended deadlines for protesters to clear out, while others have closed campuses or warned of potential law enforcement action. Despite these efforts, the protests continue to spread, reflecting the growing concern among students over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
