Colleges across the U.S. are experiencing anti-Israel protests where outsiders are participating and getting arrested. At Emory University in Atlanta, 28 people were arrested, with only 20 being members of the school community. The protesters ignored police officers and set up tents on private property, leading to arrests for trespassing. The situation escalated with objects being thrown at officers and chemical irritants being used to control the crowd.
Other universities, such as George Washington University, Ohio State University, and the University of Texas, Austin, have also reported incidents where outsiders participated in anti-Israel protests. At Ohio State University, nearly 40 people were arrested but only 18 were students. The University of Texas, Austin, also saw significant participation from outside groups, with roughly half of the 55 arrests being unaffiliated with the university.
Outside agitators infiltrated protests at Northeastern University in Boston, leading to the clearing of an unauthorized encampment on the campus. Professional organizers with no affiliation to Northeastern inserted themselves into the student demonstration, using antisemitic slurs like “Kill the Jews.” Similar incidents occurred at Columbia University in New York City, where outsiders were blamed for riling up students and faculty with anti-Jewish slogans and chants.
University officials at some schools have taken steps to prevent outsiders from joining protests and have acknowledged their influence on campus demonstrations. Columbia University’s president expressed sadness over actions by agitators and the influence of outsiders on campus tensions. The New York City Police Department has also recognized the role of outsiders in escalating protests, especially at Columbia University, where outside agitators have tried to hijack peaceful protests for their own agendas.
Despite numerous attempts to seek comment, colleges such as Yale, New York University, Harvard, and the University of Southern California, where anti-Israel protests have occurred, did not respond. The NYPD has pledged to support the right to peaceful protests while also addressing the influence of outside agitators. The situation at Columbia University has drawn attention to the challenges faced by campuses dealing with protests that are influenced by individuals who are not affiliated with the institution.
