Campus Tensions Ease as Universities Reach Deals with Protesters

After weeks of protests and disruptions, anti-war demonstrations have ceased at several US universities, including Brown, Northwestern, and Rutgers, as school leaders struck deals with pro-Palestinian protesters. The agreements aim to prevent disruptions to final exams and graduation ceremonies.

Why this matters: The outcome of these protests and the universities' responses will set a precedent for how institutions of higher education balance free speech and academic continuity in the face of contentious political issues. Furthermore, the resolution of these protests may influence the trajectory of the national conversation around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its implications for American foreign policy.

Universities have committed to reviewing their investments in Israel or hearing calls to stop doing business with the Middle Eastern nation. Protesters have been granted amnesty and funding for Middle Eastern studies. However, no promises have been made about changing investments.

Since April 17, there have been chaotic scenes and over 2,300 arrests on 44 campuses across the nation. Tent encampments and building takeovers have disrupted classes at some schools, including Columbia and UCLA.

Interim President Jeff Ettinger of the University of Minnesota expressed optimism, stating, "While there is more work to do and conversations are still planned with other student groups affected by the painful situation in Palestine, I am heartened by today's progress." Chancellor Francine Conway of Rutgers University noted that the request to divest from Israel is under review but falls outside of their administrative scope.

The University of Minnesota reopened after administrators reached an agreement to end an encampment in the heart of the Minneapolis campus. Rutgers University agreed to establish an Arab Cultural Center and not retaliate against any students involved in the protest camp. Brown University protesters agreed to dismantle their encampment in return for the opportunity to present arguments to divest the university's endowment from companies contributing to and profiting from the war in Gaza. Northwestern University's Deering Meadow fell silent after an agreement curbed protest activity in return for the reestablishment of an advisory committee on university investments and other commitments.

However, not all protests ended peacefully. About a dozen protesters were arrested at New York University, and about 30 more left voluntarily. NYPD officers cleared an encampment at the New School in Greenwich Village. 133 people were arrested at the State University of New York at New Paltz as a pro-Palestinian encampment was broken up.

President Biden defended theright to protestbut decried the disorder of recent days, saying,"order must prevail on college campuses across the country. "The easing of tensions at several universities through negotiated agreements provides a path forward as the school year comes to a close. However, with the Gaza war ongoing and the passion it has ignited among student activists, the potential forrenewed protestsin the fall semester remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Anti-war protests cease at Brown, Northwestern, and Rutgers universities after deals with pro-Palestinian protesters.
• Universities agree to review investments in Israel and provide funding for Middle Eastern studies.
• Over 2,300 arrests made on 44 campuses across the US since April 17.
• Some universities establish Arab Cultural Centers and advisory committees on investments.
• President Biden defends right to protest, but calls for order on college campuses.