US universities swept by pro-Palestinian protests, several arrests made
Several people have been arrested after police quelled pro-Palestine protests at universities across the United States (US). The movement initially began at Columbia University and has since spread to other institutions including prestigious Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Yale. University of Texas's Austin campus witnessed police detaining around 20 students after 100 state troopers arrived on the scene. In the light of the demonstrations, several universities are offering virtual courses for students.
Why does this story matter?
Hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestinian students in US are demanding that their schools condemn Israel's assault on Gaza and divest from companies that sell weapons to the Jewish state. However, some Jewish students have expressed concerns that much of the criticism of Israel has veered into antisemitism, making them feel unsafe. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the US universities' pro-Palestine protests as "horrific" and "anti-Semitic " and called for more action to halt them.
What were the demands of the protesters?
The demonstrators at the University of Texas demanded that the institution withdraw its investments from companies supplying weapons to Israel for its ongoing conflict with Gaza. The protest was organized by the university's Palestinian Solidarity Committee. However, it did not receive support from the University of Texas's Division of Student Affairs. At USC, over 100 students set up tents and displayed banners and signs on campus, leading to a call for police reinforcement when the demonstration turned disorderly.
Harvard, Yale experiences protests
Meanwhile, at Harvard University, hundreds of students set up tents as a part of "emergency rally" against the suspension of the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee. This followed a decision by the university to restrict the concerned area's access to only Harvard ID holders and faculty. At Yale University, approximately 45 protesters were arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespassing after setting up tents on Beinecke Plaza, demanding that Yale cease any investments in defense companies associated with Israel.
Columbia University offers virtual course amid unrest
Tensions remained high at Columbia University even after over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested last week. In response to ongoing protests both on and off campus, Columbia began offering virtual course options when possible, citing safety as their top priority. Meanwhile, New York University (NYU) experienced a surge in protests as an encampment set up by students grew throughout the day. The university warned the crowd to disperse and summoned the police following reports of "intimidating chants and antisemitic incidents".
