Universities across the country became hotbeds of anti-Israel protests, with multiple campuses experiencing notable unrest and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.
At the University of Southern California (USC), the situation turned chaotic as authorities cracked down on unlawful activities, leading to clashes with protesters and the arrest of several individuals. Videos emerged of protesters falling onto the sidewalk, while others called for assistance and berated police officers.
The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) also saw a sizable demonstration, with protesters gathering on the school’s South Lawn and attempting to set up tents. Police intervened, resulting in the arrest of over 20 individuals. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Pigs go home!” and “APD, KKK, IDF / they’re all the same.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott denounced the protests, labeling them as antisemitic and calling for the expulsion of participating students.
Harvard University witnessed the establishment of a “Gaza solidarity encampment” by anti-Israel protesters. As many as 20 tents were set up on Harvard Yard, with demonstrators planning to stay overnight. They requested donations of water, food, sleeping bags, and tents through the Harvard College Palestine Solidarity Committee.
Columbia University, which had been the site of ongoing anti-Israel protests, also saw further demonstrations. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited the campus to discuss the conflict and criticized the university’s administration for allowing threats and intimidation to overshadow free speech and religious freedom. He raised the possibility of National Guard intervention if the situation was not brought under control.
The anti-Israel protests highlight the escalating tensions on some US campuses over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and raise concerns about the safety and well-being of students and campus communities.
