A wave of student demonstrations has been spreading across the United States since last week, with students from various universities calling on institutions to cut all ties with the Israeli government in response to the attacks in the Gaza Strip. Numerous students from public and private universities have been arrested for participating in these protests.
On Tuesday night, New York police entered Hamilton Hall, a Columbia building with symbolic value for protests, which had been occupied by students. More than 200 protesters were arrested at Columbia and City College of New York. Similar police actions also took place at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Texas.
Columbia has become the epicenter of university protests in the US against the war in Gaza. New York Mayor Eric Adams stated that the occupation of Hamilton Hall was led by individuals not enrolled in the university, implying involvement from external agitators. Politicians from both parties have condemned the protests, with President Biden labeling some of the students’ slogans and tactics as anti-Semitic and violent.
At least 34 students from Wisconsin were detained during clashes with police, while similar clashes occurred at UCLA and Texas universities where police were mobilized due to violent confrontations between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protesters. Students at Texas were also arrested during an occupation protest.
Former President Trump praised New York police’s actions against protesters at Columbia University, while Governor Abbott emphasized that camps will not be allowed at educational institutions. The escalation of these protests highlights deep divisions and tensions surrounding Israel-Palestine conflict within American universities.
Protests against Israel are becoming more common on college campuses across America as more young people express support for Palestinian rights.
The demonstrations have led to arrests of numerous students who participated in them, highlighting growing tensions on campus over this controversial issue.
As violence escalates between Israelis and Palestinians, it is clear that these conflicts will continue to impact American universities for years to come.
New York Mayor Eric Adams recently spoke out about these protests, stating that they are being led by individuals who are not even enrolled at Columbia University but rather external agitators trying to stir up trouble on campus.
The Biden administration has condemned some of these slogans and tactics as anti-Semitic and violent.
Despite this opposition, there are still many young people who believe that Israel should stop its military actions against Palestinians entirely.