Pro-Palestinian Protests Lead to Mass Arrests at US Colleges

In a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations across college campuses in the United States, tensions have escalated, resulting in arrests and disciplinary actions. The protests, sparked by Israel’s war in Gaza, have drawn attention to the complex dynamics surrounding free speech, academic freedom, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Arrests at Northeastern, Arizona State, and Indiana University

Over the weekend, nearly 200 protesters were arrested at Northeastern University, Arizona State University, and Indiana University, according to officials. At Northeastern, Massachusetts State Police officers dismantled an encampment on the campus’s Centennial Common, arresting 102 protesters. The administration had requested the protesters to leave, citing concerns over safety and disruption. However, many students remained defiant, leading to the intervention by law enforcement.

Alina Caudle, a sophomore at Northeastern University, emphasized the protesters’ demands for transparency regarding the university’s investments and divestment from companies supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza. Caudle stated, “We want them to divest our money that we’re paying for our tuition. Our administration is not listening to us.”

Similarly, at Arizona State University, 69 people were arrested on trespassing charges after setting up an unauthorized encampment, while Indiana University saw 23 more protesters arrested for erecting tents without prior approval.

The protests have ignited a national debate on free speech and academic freedom, with some advocating for the protection of students’ right to protest, while others express concerns over disruptive demonstrations and allegations of antisemitism.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent an open letter to university leaders, urging them to safeguard free speech and academic freedom. The letter highlighted the importance of protecting students’ right to express their views without fear of censorship or discrimination. ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero stated, “As you fashion responses to the activism of your students, it is essential that you not sacrifice principles of academic freedom and free speech.”

At Columbia University, students and Palestine Legal filed a civil rights complaint against the university, alleging harassment and unequal treatment by administrators. The complaint, submitted to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, calls for an investigation into the university’s handling of the protests and its response to allegations of antisemitism.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) President Sally Kornbluth addressed the ongoing protests at the institution, stating that while the demonstrations have been peaceful, they need to end soon. Kornbluth emphasized the university’s commitment to academic freedom but warned that those violating campus rules would face disciplinary action.

Protests Spread Across Chicago and Beyond

The demonstrations have not been confined to the Northeast, with protests spreading across Chicago and other parts of the country. Students at the University of Chicago called for the disbandment of the university’s private police force and broke ties with Israeli institutions. Similarly, students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign set up an encampment on campus, leading to clashes with campus police.

In downtown Chicago, students from various colleges marched in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, demanding justice for Gaza and an end to Israeli military actions.

But the protests are not limited to the US, as students worldwide have been demonstrating in support of Gaza since the outbreak of the war on October 7. Following the Columbia encampments, the protests have further spread to universities from France to Australia.

Students from Sapienza University in Rome, Italy organized demonstrations, sit-ins, and hunger strikes on April 17 and 18. In Paris, France, Sorbonne University students have taken to the streets. Meanwhile, students from the University of Sydney in Australia set up pro-Palestine encampments on Tuesday, and they were continuing to protest on Friday. Also, University of Melbourne students pitched tents on the south lawn of their main campus on Thursday. In Leicester, England, a protest broke out on Monday in which students from the University of Leicester Palestine Society also participated.

Handling of Protests Varies Across Universities

In response to the wave of protests sweeping across campuses, universities have adopted diverse approaches to manage the demonstrations. While some institutions have opted for a conciliatory stance, seeking to defuse tensions, others have resorted to more assertive measures, including police intervention and disciplinary actions.

At the University of Southern California and Emory University, authorities took swift action to dismantle encampments and arrest protesters, including students and faculty members. These actions aimed to swiftly restore order but also raised concerns about the potential for escalation and the curtailing of free speech rights on campus.

Despite the intensity of some confrontations, reports indicate that many arrests have been peaceful, with protesters cooperating with law enforcement when approached. However, injuries have been reported at some demonstrations, highlighting the volatile nature of the protests and the challenges universities face in maintaining campus safety.

In addition to arrests, universities are employing various tactics to exert pressure on protesters. At Cornell University, where tensions have also flared, four students linked to the pro-Palestinian encampment were suspended from the school. While university officials confirmed the suspensions, they refrained from disclosing the exact number, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Joel M. Malina, the university’s vice president for university relations, issued a statement outlining the institution’s efforts to address the protests while minimizing disruptions to academic activities. Despite attempts to negotiate with protesters and relocate demonstrations to less disruptive areas, these overtures were rebuffed, prompting the university to take disciplinary action.

Malina further emphasized the university’s readiness to impose additional suspensions and refer participants to human resources, signaling a firm stance against continued disruptions. However, Nick Wilson, one of the suspended students, expressed optimism despite the repercussions, suggesting that the university’s actions reflected concerns about the potency of the protest movement.