In 1964, the University of California, Berkeley saw the birth of the Free Speech Movement, which saw students protesting against limitations on free speech that had been imposed earlier. This marked a shift in the relationship between colleges and politics, ushering in an era of increased activism on college campuses. The 1960s also saw the Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum, with college students playing a significant role in sit-ins and voter registration efforts. These movements were met with mixed reactions from the public, with some praising their courage and idealism, while others criticized them for being misguided and self-indulgent.
The Vietnam War of the 1960s and 1970s further fueled student protests, with campuses across the country experiencing upheaval and demonstrations against the war effort. The protests reached a peak in 1970 when President Nixon expanded the war effort into Cambodia, resulting in a coordinated strike by students at 900 schools. While the protests faced backlash from some, they ultimately pressured the Nixon administration to hasten the withdrawal of American combat troops from Vietnam in 1973.
The anti-apartheid movement of the 1970s and 1980s saw college campuses advocating for divestment from companies doing business in South Africa during apartheid. This movement inspired the current demands for schools to divest from businesses connected to Israel, as part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel. Occupy Wall Street in 2011 further introduced a new generation to widespread protests, sparking demonstrations against corporate greed and income inequality.
In recent years, college students have been at the forefront of protests against racial injustice, sparked by events such as the killings of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd. The current wave of protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza has further divided Americans, including liberals, over the question of when criticism of Israel crosses into antisemitism. These protests, like those of previous eras, are likely to be studied for decades to come for their origins, aims, and impacts on society.
The tradition of student-led activism in the United States has a long and complex history, with movements such as the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-Vietnam War protests setting the stage for the activism seen on college campuses today. While these movements have been polarizing and faced criticism, they have also led to tangible change and pushed society to confront difficult issues. The power of student protests to influence political outcomes has been acknowledged by politicians, demonstrating the lasting impact of student activism on American society.
