By Muslim Mirror Desk
These protests are coordinated by coalitions of student groups, though each group largely acts independently while drawing inspiration from peers at other universities. Some universities have reported the involvement of outsiders causing disturbances during the protests.
The movement has spread beyond U.S. borders, with demonstrations also taking place in Canada and Europe. In France, police removed dozens of students from the Sorbonne University after pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the main courtyard.
Efforts are underway to address the protests as the academic year nears its end, but students at several prominent universities remain steadfast in their demonstrations.
Columbia University the epicentre of protests
At Columbia University, a spokesperson announced the university’s decision to suspend student protesters who refused to leave the encampment by a set deadline. Initially, protesters were given the option to sign a commitment to abide by university policies until June 2025, allowing them to complete the semester without repercussions. However, those who did not comply faced suspension pending further investigation. As of Monday evening, there were no reports of suspensions among the protesters.
The encampment, set up by pro-Palestinian student activists, was targeted by police on April 18, resulting in over 100 arrests. This action not only sparked solidarity among students nationwide but also emboldened Columbia protesters to regroup and continue their demonstration.
Despite university deadlines, protesters at Columbia have remained defiant, maintaining their encampment with chants and drumming. The ongoing demonstrations have led Columbia to shift to remote classes and establish deadlines for protesters to vacate the encampment.
Columbia’s president, Minouche Shafik, faced criticism from faculty members but retains support from trustees who hold the authority to hire or terminate her position.
The protest at Columbia is part of a long-standing tradition of activism dating back decades, echoing past movements such as the anti-apartheid protests and opposition to the Iraq war.
Other Campuses
Similar scenes have unfolded at various universities:
- The University of Texas at Austin: Clashes between protesters and police have occurred, resulting in numerous arrests and heightened tensions on campus.
- Northeastern University: Police cleared an encampment, leading to multiple arrests on charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct.
- University of Southern California: Campus closures were enforced after vandalism and disruptions caused by protesters.
- University of California, Los Angeles: Faculty members joined protesters in solidarity, highlighting a divided campus atmosphere.
- George Washington University: Students demanded divestment from Israel, prompting a response from university officials.
- University of Utah: Protesters established an encampment, voicing their demands for policy changes related to Israel.
These protests underscore the deep-seated divisions and passionate activism surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with universities becoming focal points for expressions of solidarity and dissent.