Protests erupted on college campuses across the United States last week, with 275 pro-Palestinian demonstrators being detained at various universities, including Indiana University at Bloomington, Northeastern University in Boston, and Arizona State University.
The tensions reached a boiling point at Harvard University, where protestors raised a Palestinian flag in a location typically reserved for the American flag. Three protestors hoisted the flag above the John Harvard statue in the Yard, sparking controversy and drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The protests come in response to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in over 1,000 Israeli casualties. The Israeli military has reportedly killed over 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, fueling outrage and calls for action from students across the country.
Harvard University spokesperson Jonathan L Swain condemned the flag-raising as a violation of university policy and promised disciplinary action against those involved. Similar demonstrations and clashes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups have been reported at other campuses, including the University of California, Los Angeles.
The protesters have put forth a list of demands, including cutting ties with manufacturers of military weapons supplying arms to Israel, ending research funding from Israel for military projects, and increasing transparency regarding funding sources from Israel.
The White House has acknowledged the intensity of emotions surrounding the protests but has left the management of the demonstrations to local authorities. As tensions continue to rise, the future of these protests and the impact they may have on university policies remain uncertain.