Several US universities has called police to break up protests over ongoing genocide in Gaza, resulting in disorderly confrontations and numerous arrests. In contrast, some institutions chose to allow student demonstrations to proceed as the semester neared its end and graduation ceremonies approached.
Following the arrest of over 100 demonstrators at Columbia University, student protests have erupted on multiple college campuses.
The students are calling for universities to cut ties with companies supporting Israel’s military actions in Gaza—and in some cases, with Israel itself.
Protests on different campuses have been coordinated by coalitions of student groups and largely operate independently, although students are inspired by actions at other universities.
The UN human rights chief has called for an independent investigation as more bodies are found in Gaza mass graves.
Despite the impending summer break, school administrators fear that ongoing protests could disrupt May commencement ceremonies, while some Jewish students express concerns that the protests have veered into antisemitism and have made them uneasy about campus safety.
