Harvard and UC Berkeley Encourage Students to Believe that Success is Achieved by Being Obnoxious

Students at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley, were taught a lesson this week: They can achieve their goals by being disruptive and obnoxious.

The pro-Palestinian protesters at Harvard voluntarily removed their encampment, not due to school orders, but because the administrators yielded to their demands.

The school gave in, reinstating suspended students, and agreeing to discuss the establishment of a Palestinian Studies program and divesting from Israel in the Harvard endowment.

In exchange, student protesters voted democratically to end the encampment that lasted 20 days in Harvard Yard.

Meanwhile, UC Berkeley’s “Free Palestine Camp” disbanded their 150-tent campsite after negotiating for a new task force to review school investments related to weapons manufacturing, mass incarceration, and surveillance industries.

Initially, it seemed absurd that protesters thought they could dictate terms to these esteemed institutions like Harvard. However, it appears that the student protesters were right in thinking they had power.

University campuses have become chaotic hubs and such chaos is the result of negotiating with sympathizers of terrorist causes.

Despite Harvard’s repeated refusal to negotiate, the administrators eventually capitulated to ensure the smooth running of graduation ceremonies.

Harvard student organizers and University President Alan M. Garber negotiated the dismantling of the encampment, as reported by the Harvard Crimson.

Garber agreed to reinstate nearly two dozen students who were put on involuntary leaves of absence and to facilitate a meeting with the Corporation Committee on Shareholder Responsibility to discuss divestment from certain industries.

Student demonstrators, who had previously displayed a derogatory banner against Garber, were seen dismantling the encampment overnight.

Garber emphasized the importance of dialogue and constructive change following the resolution of the encampment issue.

Universities are setting a harmful precedent by appeasing student protesters in violation of policies, allowing students to dictate the school’s actions and investments.

Students are learning that activism can override rules if they are persistent and disruptive enough. This sets the stage for future demonstrations and demands.

Universities are inadvertently teaching students that persistence and disruption can lead to getting their way eventually.