Living History Lesson: Protest Encampment Experience for Columbia Students

Columbia University Students Draw Parallels Between 1968 Protests and Current Pro-Palestinian Movement

Last week, Columbia University students set up a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on campus, drawing inspiration from a course called “Columbia 1968” that explored the protests against the Vietnam War. The course, taught by history professor Frank Guridy, highlighted the activism of the past, which resonated with the current generation of students.

During a teach-in titled “1968: Continuing the Fight,” Guridy and his students engaged with protesters at the encampment, discussing the parallels between the two movements. The protesters, who were later suspended and arrested by the school administration, cited their education and lessons learned on campus as the driving force behind their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Bo Tang, a second-year undergraduate history student, explained that their research group studied past social justice movements to inform their strategies. Alumni involved in the 1968 protests shared valuable insights on building support for a protest movement.

The encampment has sparked debates and discussions on campus, with faculty members and students joining in solidarity. However, the protests have faced criticism from the White House, Republican lawmakers, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who labeled the protesters as antisemitic.

Despite the backlash, the students remain committed to their cause, demanding that Columbia divest from companies supporting Israel’s government and military. The ongoing negotiations between the administration and protesters reflect a campus divided on the issue, reminiscent of the turbulent times of 1968.

As the encampment continues to grow, the students draw strength from the lessons of the past, determined to make their voices heard in the fight for justice and equality.