Protests against Gaza war erupt on college campuses across the US

Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war have spread to numerous college campuses, gaining momentum after the arrest of over 100 demonstrators at Columbia University. The students are demanding that universities cut ties with companies supporting Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and in some cases, with Israel itself.

At Columbia University, pro-Palestinian protesters established a tent encampment, leading to a clash with police and subsequent arrests. Despite negotiations, students remain steadfast in their demands, prompting a symbolic rebuke from faculty towards the university president. Counterprotesters, holding Israeli flags, also made their voices heard outside the campus gates.

Similar protests erupted at the University of Southern California, where the main graduation ceremony was canceled due to safety concerns following demonstrations. At Ohio State University, police arrested several protesters who refused to disperse, leading to charges of criminal trespass.

The wave of protests extended to George Washington University, where students demanded divestment from Israel and the lifting of suspensions against pro-Palestinian groups. Meanwhile, at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, campus closures were enforced after protesters barricaded buildings, leading to arrests and demands for the university president’s resignation.

The demonstrations also reached universities like NYU, Emory, Northwestern, and Indiana University Bloomington, with clashes between protesters and law enforcement resulting in arrests. Despite the disruptions, universities are standing firm on their policies, warning against any behavior that violates campus rules.

As the protests continue to unfold across campuses, students remain resolute in their calls for solidarity with Palestine, setting the stage for further confrontations with university administrations. The impact of these protests on academic operations and commencement ceremonies remains to be seen.