US students arrested in Gaza campus protests face academic and legal woes
GuardianAug 17
Pro-Palestine Protests Resume at Columbia University
Above: Pro-Israel demonstrators gather in front of Columbia University on Aug. 27, 2024. Image copyright: Spencer Platt/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Protests against the war in Gaza that swept US campuses in spring returned to Columbia University in New York on Tuesday, the first day of a new academic term.
Students reportedly picketed and protested in solidarity with Palestine, demanding that the university divest from "all forms of settler-colonial violence."
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
These renewed student protests are morally justified, and continue the long-standing tradition of civic engagement on college campuses. They serve as a vital platform for students to voice concerns about critical global issues, such as the conflict in Gaza. Nonviolent protests also challenge students to engage with complex topics, fostering critical thinking, and political awareness. By allowing on-campus demonstrations, universities are upholding their mission to develop engaged citizens and contribute to societal good.
Pro-establishment narrative
Recent campus protests against the Gaza conflict have infringed on students' rights to safety and education, forcing class cancellations and driving some off campus. They went beyond expressing views or calling for policy changes, escalating to antisemitic rhetoric and threats that should not be tolerated in any academic setting. University leaders must prioritize the protection of all students and maintenance of order on campus.