Students at Sciences Po Lyon organized a pro-Palestinian demonstration on April 30, 2024, in solidarity with Gaza. This event was part of a larger movement that started in November 2023, when the Israel-Gaza conflict intensified following an attack by Hamas. The students, part of the Comité Palestine Sciences Po, mobilized across France, with actions taking place in universities and institutes of political studies. The movement gained momentum after a camp was set up at Sciences Po Paris on April 24, leading to similar actions at other institutions.
On May 1st, many students joined the protests organized by the “comités Palestine” of Sciences Po and other institutes. The movement spread to cities like Rennes, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Lyon, and Saint-Germain-en-Laye, with some universities experiencing blockades and demonstrations. The police intervened in several universities to disperse the protesters, breaking the tradition of academic freedom where maintaining order is usually left to the university authorities unless there is an imminent threat. The pushback from the authorities led to negotiations aimed at finding a compromise and avoiding further confrontations.
In an effort to deescalate tensions, the interim administrator of Sciences Po, Jean Bassères, negotiated an agreement with the protesting students to hold a debate on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. This event, scheduled for May 2nd, would involve all stakeholders of the institution, including students, researchers, teachers, and staff. The debate, inspired by town hall-style discussions common in Anglo-Saxon institutions, was a response to a request from the Comité Palestine Sciences Po. However, the administrator did not agree to end academic partnerships with Israeli universities, leading to concerns about the direction of the movement within Sciences Po and its satellite campuses.
The debate and negotiations at Sciences Po were seen as a crucial turning point for the student-led pro-Palestinian movement in France. The outcome of these discussions could shape the future of the protests, especially within the institutes of political studies and the other Sciences Po campuses. The delicate balance of compromise sought by Jean Bassères would be closely observed, as it could determine the next steps of the movement. The protests, sparked by the events in Gaza, were part of a larger wave of solidarity actions across France, reflecting the growing concern and activism among young people towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The ongoing demonstrations and actions by students highlighted the depth of engagement and solidarity with the Palestinian cause among the youth in France. The protests, driven by a desire for justice and peace in the region, led to clashes with the authorities but also sparked debates and discussions within academic institutions. The impact of these protests transcended the physical acts of protest, challenging the status quo and pushing for a more nuanced understanding of the complex issues involved. As the movement evolved, it raised questions about academic freedom, political activism, and the role of universities in addressing social and political conflicts on a global scale.
