Protests Continue to Grow Across College Campuses Despite Crackdowns
The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that more than 130 individuals were arrested at New York University (NYU) during overnight pro-Palestinian protests. The demonstrations, which have been expanding across various college campuses, show little sign of abating despite increased enforcement by university administrators.
On Monday, a group of protesters assembled at an encampment on NYU’s Manhattan campus. The NYPD confirmed that 133 people were apprehended and subsequently released with criminal court summonses, committing to appear in court at a later date.
The surge in anti-Israel protests on college grounds gained momentum after Columbia University, located in Manhattan, directed the NYPD to arrest demonstrators participating in a sit-in on the university’s lawn last week. Over 100 individuals were detained during the incident last Thursday.
This heightened enforcement seems to have energized antiwar demonstrators, with protests spreading to additional campuses like Yale and NYU. However, it has failed to mitigate criticism from those arguing that university administrations are not adequately ensuring campus security, especially for Jewish students.
All ten New York Republican representatives in the US House of Representatives called for Columbia President Minouche Shafik’s resignation on Monday. In a letter to Shafik, the lawmakers claimed that the school’s Manhattan campus is in chaos, accusing Shafik of neglecting her duty to provide a secure learning environment for students.
Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip have led to the displacement of approximately 75% of the enclave’s 2.3 million inhabitants and resulted in over 34,000 casualties, according to Gaza health authorities. Gaza’s higher education institutions have also been targeted, with all 12 major universities suffering destruction.
The UN’s Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA) has reported extensive damage to its network of schools in the region.
Protesters are advocating for universities to disinvest from firms linked to Israel and denounce Israel’s offensive in Gaza. In contrast, counter-protesters supporting Israel argue that these demonstrations border on antisemitism and contribute to an environment where Jewish students feel threatened.
