Students across the country have taken a stand against Israel’s war in Gaza, setting up encampments and staging protests on over 50 college campuses. Demonstrators are calling for their colleges to divest from companies that fund Israel and to sever ties with the country. The top demands of the protesters include transparency on investments in Israel, denouncement of genocide, and a call for a cease-fire. Many colleges have rejected these demands, citing concerns about threats to academic freedom and values of inclusion and belonging. Some students believe that their universities should not profit from war, apartheid, or genocide, and are pushing for divestment from companies linked to Israel.
Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive large endowments that are spread across numerous investments and assets. Some students are calling for transparency on these investments, as well as divestment from Israeli weapon manufacturers and other entities profiting from the war in Gaza. The demand for divestment from companies that support Israel is a key focus of the protests. Some schools have already stated that they do not invest in Israeli arms manufacturers, but protesters want further divestment. The calls for divestment echo similar movements from the past, such as the South African anti-apartheid movement, which led to over 150 colleges divesting from companies doing business with South Africa.
Student protesters are also demanding greater transparency on their colleges’ financial ties to Israel, as well as the severing of academic ties with the country. They are calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and for colleges to show support for a cease-fire. The protests have been met with strong police responses on some campuses, with reports of mass arrests and crackdowns on encampments. While most protests have been peaceful, there have been instances of antisemitism, which many pro-Palestine student groups have denounced. Jewish students who support the pro-Palestine movement have warned against conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Despite crackdowns and arrests, student protesters are vowing to continue advocating for Palestine through demonstrations and other actions. Some colleges have begun negotiating with protesters regarding their demands, while others have faced criticism from politicians and civil liberties organizations for their response to the protests. Protests are ongoing at various colleges, with students refusing to leave until their demands are met. The movement for Palestinian liberation and a free Palestine is growing and gaining momentum, with students showing resilience and determination in their advocacy efforts.
