Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt US College Commencements

As universities across the United States prepare for commencement ceremonies, they are bracing for potential disruptions from pro-Palestinian student activists. With over 2,300 arrests made on 44 campuses since April 17, colleges are taking extra security measures to ensure a peaceful celebration for graduates and their families.

Why this matters: The protests highlight the ongoing tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups, which have far-reaching implications for international relations and campus safety. As the conflict in Gaza continues, the protests may escalate, leading to further clashes andpotential violence on college campuses.

The protests aim to pressure universities to take a stance against Israel's actions in Gaza and to address antisemitism on campus. Some incidents have sparked controversy, such as at Columbia University, where protesters unfurled a banner with the word "intifada," which was met with criticism from supporters of Israel who claimed it glorified Palestinian suicide bombing campaigns. The White House described the use of "intifada" as hate speech, and New York Mayor Eric Adams accused the students of being antisemites.

Despite the chaos, some universities have reached agreements with protesters to avoid disruptions to final exams and graduation ceremonies. Brown University protesters agreed to dismantle their encampment in exchange for the opportunity to present arguments to divest the university's endowment from companies contributing to the war in Gaza. At Rutgers University, the administration agreed to establish an Arab Cultural Center and not retaliate against students involved in the protest camp.

However, at other campuses, police have taken more aggressive action to clear out protesters. At UCLA, law enforcement fired less lethal rounds to remove an encampment, with protesters reporting injuries. Over 130 arrests were made as a pro-Palestinian encampment was broken up at the State University of New York at New Paltz. President Biden has defended the right to peaceful protest but decried the disorder seen in recent days.

The protests come amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which has killed over 34,000 Palestinians since October 7. Israel has branded the campus protests as antisemitic, while organizers claim it is a peaceful movement to defend Palestinian rights. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona sent a letter to college presidents condemning "abhorrent" antisemitic incidents on campus, citing reports of assaults, harassment, and vandalism targeting Jewish students.

As tensions remain high, universities are grappling with how to balance free speech rights with maintaining safety and order during commencement. Many are implementing additional security measures like metal detectors anddesignated protest zones. Some students have expressed concerns about attending ceremonies due to the potential for disruptions. With nearly 2,200 protest-related arrests at 43 colleges since April 18, administrators and families are hoping the focus can remain on celebrating the achievements of the class of 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Over 2,300 arrests made on 44 US campuses since April 17 amid pro-Palestinian protests.
• Protests aim to pressure universities to take a stance against Israel's actions in Gaza and address antisemitism.
• Some universities have reached agreements with protesters to avoid disruptions, while others have taken more aggressive action.
• President Biden defends peaceful protest, but decries disorder; Education Secretary condemns antisemitic incidents.
• Universities balance free speech with safety, implementing security measures for commencement ceremonies.