Some U.S. universities are facing demonstrations and protests against the Israel-Hamas war as the final days of the semester approach and graduation ceremonies loom. At Emerson College in Boston, 108 people were arrested, and four police officers were injured in a scuffle with students resisting officers. Similar incidents occurred at the University of Southern California, Columbia University, University of Texas at Austin, and Emory University, resulting in multiple arrests and tensions between protesters and law enforcement.
At Columbia University, students set up an encampment in defiance of the school’s attempts to clear the area, leading to negotiations and more than 100 arrests. USC experienced tensions after canceling a planned commencement speech by a pro-Palestinian valedictorian, leading to scuffles with police. At the University of Texas at Austin, officers aggressively detained protesters, resulting in 57 arrests. Similar incidents occurred at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, and Emory University, where protesters were barricaded and detained by police forces.
Protests at various universities are intensifying as students demand the schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies involved in the conflict. However, some Jewish students have expressed concerns about the protests turning into antisemitism, making them fearful to be on campus. Police have intervened in protests at New York University, Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University, leading to multiple arrests. At Columbia, university officials have extended negotiations with protesters in an attempt to find a resolution and avoid further confrontations.
Some politicians, such as U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, have called for university leaders to restore order on campus or consider involving the National Guard if necessary. However, university officials have stated that their focus is on restoring order through dialogue and peaceful means. The protests and demonstrations at various universities highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the differing perspectives within student communities. Law enforcement’s response to the protests has led to criticism from some students and observers, who view the arrests and police presence as excessive. The situation remains fluid, with universities and protesters engaging in ongoing discussions and negotiations to address the concerns and reach a resolution.
