Pro-Palestinian Protests at US Universities
Police detained nearly 200 people at three US universities on Saturday as they cleared pro-Palestinian encampments, in the latest campus clashes triggered by protests over Israel’s war against Hamas.
East Coast Protests
On the East Coast, police in Boston detained about 100 people while clearing a protest camp at Northeastern University. Social media posts showed security forces in riot gear and officers loading tents onto the back of a truck.
Arizona State University Incident
On the opposite side of the country, Arizona State University police arrested 69 people for trespassing after the group set up an “unauthorized encampment” on campus. The protest group, most of whom were not ASU students, faculty, or staff, had set up a camp and ignored repeated orders to disperse.
Indiana University Arrests
At Indiana University, police arrested 23 people as they cleared a campus protest camp. Police with shields, batons, and other riot gear broke through a line of protesters who had linked arms, tackling those who did not move.
Activists’ Demands and University Response
The campus activists are calling for a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas and for colleges to sever ties with the country and with companies they say profit from the conflict. University administrators are facing a challenge in balancing commitments to free expression with complaints of anti-Semitism and hate speech during the protests.
Consequences and Responses
Police have carried out large-scale arrests at universities, sometimes using chemical irritants and tasers to disperse demonstrators. Universities have taken actions to secure campuses and address the protests, including disciplinary proceedings for individuals involved in the demonstrations.
Developments at Various Universities
Dozens of students remained encamped at the University of Pennsylvania despite orders to disband. Columbia University in New York remained relatively calm, with officials deciding not to call police back to campus after previous arrests. California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt announced campus closure until the end of the semester due to protester activities.
International Impact
Canada saw its first campus protest camp at McGill University, where the school emphasized that such encampments are not permitted and can lead to escalation and confrontation.
