The Reasons for Pro-Palestinian Protests on US College Campuses

Student protests in the U.S. over the war in Gaza have escalated and spread across various colleges in the past week, with encampments set up at institutions such as Columbia, Yale, and New York University. Police have been dispatched to several campuses to arrest protesters.

Here is an overview of the ongoing protests:

WHAT ARE THE PROTESTERS DEMANDING?

At the campuses where protests have erupted, students have put forth demands for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, cessation of U.S. military support for Israel, divestment by universities from companies profiting from the war, and amnesty for individuals disciplined or terminated for participating in protests.

WHO ARE THE PROTESTERS?

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals of Jewish and Muslim faiths. Organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace are leading the protests.

The encampments have also featured a variety of activities including teach-ins, interfaith prayers, and musical performances.

Organizers have explicitly denounced violence against pro-Israeli counter-protesters, although some Jewish students have expressed feeling unsafe and discomforted by what they perceive as antisemitic rhetoric.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE RESPONSE FROM AUTHORITIES?

School administrations and local law enforcement have taken decisive actions against the protests. Columbia and Barnard College have suspended numerous students involved in the demonstrations. Over 100 protesters were arrested at Columbia, prompting University President Minouche Shafik to enlist the New York Police to dismantle the encampment following her testimony before a U.S. House of Representatives committee. She cited the breach of unauthorized protest regulations.

Yale authorities arrested over 60 protesters on Monday after providing multiple opportunities to disperse peacefully, according to the university.

The New York Police Department detained 120 individuals at NYU late on Monday, at the university’s request, citing interference with community safety and security due to prolonged protests.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE IMPACT ON REGULAR CAMPUS LIFE?

Following virtual classes on Monday, Columbia announced a blend of virtual and in-person attendance options for the remainder of the semester. Shafik emphasized her stance against any group disrupting graduation proceedings.

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, suspended in-person classes until Wednesday as students barricaded themselves in an administrative building, demanding disclosure of ties with Israel and the severance of connections with Israeli universities.

The University of Michigan committed to allowing freedom of expression and peaceful protest at its early May graduation ceremonies while maintaining order against significant disruptions.

HOW ARE POLITICAL LEADERS RESPONDING?

President Joe Biden, criticized by protesters for backing Israel financially and militarily, condemned both “antisemitic protests” and those lacking understanding of the Palestinian situation during a media briefing on Monday.

Former President Donald Trump, a Republican candidate for the 2024 election, characterized the campus protest situation as chaotic as he proceeded to his criminal trial in New York.