Students at a growing number of U.S. colleges are taking a stand against Israel’s policies towards the Palestinians by demanding their schools stop doing business with Israel and any companies that support its actions in Gaza. The movement has gained momentum as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, with stories of suffering in Gaza sparking international calls for a cease-fire.
Protests on college campuses have intensified following Hamas’ deadly attack on southern Israel, leading to demands for divestment from Israel. Students are calling for universities to cut ties with companies supplying arms to Israel, stop accepting research money that aids the country’s military efforts, and be transparent about their financial connections to Israel.
While some universities have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with students, others have rejected calls for divestment, citing concerns about antisemitism. The debate has raised questions about academic freedom and the values of inclusion and belonging on campus.
Students pushing for divestment say they are motivated by a desire to hold their institutions accountable for any role they play in supporting Israel’s military actions. As protests continue to spread across campuses, the future remains uncertain, with students at Harvard, Yale, and other universities demanding greater transparency and accountability from their schools.