There has been a growing number of student protests at Columbia University and other campuses over the Israel-Hamas war. In response, universities should enforce their own student conduct codes and only ask for police help when a crime has been committed. This would avoid the botched responses that have been seen on some campuses, where universities have simultaneously sought the arrest of students and imposed suspensions and expulsions without going through their normal disciplinary process. Universities must stand behind their students’ right to peaceful protest and support the educational principles of encouraging First Amendment protected discourse. They have the tools to address hateful, racist, sexist, anti-Semitic conduct that does not rise to the level of criminal conduct. They also have the tool of law enforcement in the event of any criminal conduct or threats of violence. Teaching how to use the right tools for the right situation is a foundation of good education. It’s time for universities to have their own teaching moment.
