In the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, student protests have erupted across the United States, escalating a movement sparked by demonstrations at Columbia University.
Initially, over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were apprehended at Columbia, igniting the protests. Arrests have since surged at other universities, with charges ranging from trespassing to disorderly conduct. Columbia has transitioned to remote learning for the remainder of the semester due to heightened tensions and student safety concerns.
At New York University, 133 protesters were detained on Monday, but all were later released and issued court summons. Despite these arrests, classes continued as usual. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reported that officers faced projectiles during protests, attributing it to outside agitators.
In Connecticut, 60 individuals, including 47 students, were arrested at Yale after refusing to vacate an encampment. Yale officials justified the arrests, citing safety concerns after failed negotiations with protesters.
At the University of Michigan, protesters erected over 30 tents on campus, while nine demonstrators were arrested at the University of Minnesota for setting up an encampment near the library.
On the West Coast, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, announced a campus closure through Wednesday due to building occupations on Monday night. Three arrests were made, and classes were conducted remotely.
Universities face the challenge of balancing safety and free speech rights. Harvard University has implemented stricter measures to prevent protests, closing gates and posting signage. However, some students, like Christian Deleon, argue for designated spaces for activism.
Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union acknowledges the difficult choices universities face, emphasizing the need to protect both freedom of expression and student safety.
At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, protesters are inspired by Columbia’s demonstrations and demand an end to research funding from Israel’s defense ministry. At the University of California, Berkeley, an encampment of approximately 30 tents has formed, with speakers addressing the Gaza conflict.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik expressed sadness over the campus unrest, which some Jewish students have criticized as bordering on antisemitism. Robert Kraft, a major donor, has suspended his support until corrective actions are taken.
The current campus protests follow a history of activism at Columbia, notably in 1968 when students occupied buildings in protest against racism and the Vietnam War. The latest wave of demonstrations was triggered by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties on both sides, including civilians and children.
