Colleges and universities in the United States have become the battleground for fierce debates surrounding student protests centered around the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Last week’s arrests of over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University escalated tensions, prompting the university administration to call in police amidst reports of “intimidating chants” and “antisemitic incidents.”
Student protests across campuses in the US have been fueled by the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s offensive on Israel, which began on October 7, 2023, and has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 34,000 Palestinians, including a large number of women and children.
Even prior to Israel’s military action, students and university administrations found themselves at odds over their stances on the conflict. The campuses of Columbia University, Harvard University, and other prestigious institutions have witnessed tensions rise as students engage in heated debates. The culture of open debate in higher education institutions in the US, protected by the First Amendment’s guarantees of free speech and assembly, allows for spirited discussions on political and social issues.
Following the October 7 attacks, statements released by student organizations sparked controversy. A joint statement issued by more than 30 student groups at Harvard University drew criticism for its unequivocal condemnation of Israel, holding it “entirely responsible for all the unfolding violence” and accusing it of perpetrating “state violence” against Palestinians.
The statement’s failure to explicitly condemn Hamas’s actions drew backlash from many. Jewish student groups expressed concerns that anti-Israel protests were crossing the line into antisemitism, citing slogans and placards that targeted Israel and Zionism, the ideology advocating for a separate state for the Jewish people. Reports have also indicated an uptick in antisemitic incidents in the US since the Hamas attack.
Pro-Palestine protesters, on the other hand, have sought to differentiate between anti-Zionist/anti-Israel views and antisemitism. They argue that their stance solely opposes political projects that advocate for a Jewish state in the Middle East, emphasizing that they do not harbor hatred or bigotry towards Jewish people.
Instances of rising hate crimes against Muslims in the US have also been reported since October 7. Some have called for universities to take action. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), pro-Palestine protests have demanded the university cease its alleged funding from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, as reported by the Associated Press.
Universities, which have historically championed free speech, are faced with the challenge of balancing their commitment to open dialogue with the potential for harm and disruption caused by divisive protests. Their funding is often dependent on the perceptions of alumni and donors, adding another layer of concern to the situation.
Former Harvard University President Claudine Gay condemned the attacks by Hamas and stated that “no student group” represents the university’s stance. She emphasized the importance of free speech but also asserted that hate speech and antisemitism would not be tolerated.
Several university leaders, including Gay, have been called to testify before the US Congress over allegations that they have failed to address antisemitism on campuses. Liz Magill and Scott Bok, the University of Pennsylvania’s president and board chair, respectively, resigned following congressional hearings.
Last week, the University of Southern California (USC) canceled pro-Palestine student Asna Tabassum’s graduation speech, citing concerns for “safety.” The decision sparked protests and allegations of censorship.
US politicians have also weighed in on the campus protests. Republicans have condemned alleged antisemitism, while some Democrats have attempted to strike a balance, offering support to both sides. President Joe Biden condemned antisemitic protests but also acknowledged the concerns of Palestinians.
College campuses have a long history of serving as flashpoints for political activism and debate. The protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict are just one example of the ways in which universities continue to grapple with the intersection of free speech, political sensitivity, and the well-being of their students.
