Over 1,000 people have been arrested at universities across the nation at student-organized protests against Israel’s war on Gaza. After Columbia Universities’ pro-Palestinian demonstration two weeks ago, more than 50 colleges followed suit, demanding university divestment from companies manufacturing weapons and surveillance technology aiding Israel.
In response to protests many school officials have called for city police, as well as suspended –and in some cases expel– students in attempt to clear encampments. Though protests have only escalated since.
At the University of Texas in Austin, state troopers were called when hundreds of students walked out of class and onto the South Mall lawn in demonstration. After fiery protest chants and an hours long stand-off with law enforcement, 57 protestors were handcuffed by police who sported riot gear and horsebacks. While student organizers claimed protests were peaceful until police agitation. UT President Jay Hartzell held his position, stating that “breaking our rules and policies and disrupting others’ ability to learn are not allowed.”
“Today our university held firm, enforcing our rules and policies while protecting the constitutional right to free speech,” Hartzell wrote addressing the walkout.
The following week protests at UT Austin continued.
Columbia University, the epicenter of ongoing mass protests, has since intensified after early demonstrations. Around midnight on Monday students occupied Hamilton Hall –or as protesters renamed it “Hind Hall” in reference to Hind Rajab, six-year-old Palestinian killed by Israeli tank-fire. Students on the inside worked with those outside to lock and barricade the building with bike locks, heavy metal tables, and other furniture. Throughout the night, chants of protests continued from those on the outside.
NYPD entered Hamilton Hall through its third-floor window at the request of CU President, Minouche Shafik on Tuesday 9:28 am. Flash grenades were used to disperse protesters as cops streamed through picketers and furniture at the main entrance. 109 protesters were arrested, with 40 of them coming from inside the building. Columbia’s student radio station WKCR broadcasted the encounter live. University President Shafik sent an email to police which was later published to the student body, sharing that NYPD will remain on campus past the Commencement on May 15.
“In light of the activities that occurred after the events of April 17-18, 2024, we further request that you retain a presence on campus through at least May 17,2024 to maintain order and ensure encampments are not reestablished.” Shafik said in the email.
The University of California at Los Angelos has been a boiling pot for Pro-Palestinian cause and Pro-Israel counter-protests alike. UCLA officials cancelled all Wednesday classes when counter-protesters attacked Pro-Palestine encampments. Leading to altercation and fights between the two that left 15 reported injuries.
With UCLA cancelling classes, they join many other schools who have switched to hybrid learning in response to recent events. As many universities have undergone over 100 arrests.
Protests have been rampant not only at U.S universities but colleges around the world are undergoing demands for divestment. As Israels’ war on Gaza, in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has brought Palestinian casualties to over 34,500 with more than 77,700 injured.
