As tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict heightened on some US campuses, including at Barnard College and Columbia University, an 18-year-old high school senior from New York City reconsidered her college choices. Despite Barnard being her top choice, the student ultimately chose Brandeis University in Massachusetts due to its strong support for Jewish students and response to antisemitic incidents. Other families have also been grappling with where to send their high school students in the fall amid ongoing campus protests, as the final college decision deadline approaches.
Amidst the college decision process, students are facing challenges in participating in “revisit days” to campuses due to increased safety measures. The protests surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict have further complicated the decision-making process for some students and parents, with concerns over safety and comfort on campus. Families are prioritizing universities’ responses to controversial events, the presence of Jewish communities, and the overall campus environment in making their final decisions.
The protests at various campuses have led to confrontations between law enforcement and protesters, with more than 1,500 people arrested at over 30 college and university campuses. Some students have already reconsidered where to enroll, particularly when it comes to Columbia University, which has been at the center of high-profile pro-Palestinian protests. While some students have decided to commit to Columbia despite the protests, others have opted to take the school off their list due to safety concerns.
The handling of the protests by university administrations, such as at Columbia University, has come under scrutiny. While some students are drawn to schools like Columbia for their spirit of activism, others are concerned about the lack of care for students and student voice. Columbia’s Senate has passed a resolution to investigate the university leadership’s handling of the protests, as demands from protesters range from cutting ties with Israeli academic institutions to divesting from Israel-linked entities.
In response to the controversy surrounding some campuses, families are actively reconsidering their college choices based on how schools have handled issues of antisemitism and political unrest. Some high school juniors are altering their college lists based on the controversies schools have faced, while others are reevaluating their decisions to attend schools that have been embroiled in protests. Despite the challenges, families are continuing to debate where to place deposits as the College Decision Day approaches.
Overall, the ongoing campus protests over the Israel-Gaza conflict are impacting the college decision process for students and families across the country. Concerns over safety, campus environment, and university responses to controversial events are influencing decisions on where to enroll in the fall. Families are prioritizing the presence of Jewish communities and strong support systems on campus as they navigate the complexities of choosing a college in light of the current tensions.
