Pro-Palestinian Protests on College Campuses Across the United States
College campuses across the United States have erupted in recent weeks with pro-Palestinian protests.
Some schools have also called the police on protesters, leading to the arrests of hundreds across multiple campuses. Since April 18, more than 2,600 people have been arrested on more than 50 campuses across at least 25 states and the District of Columbia, according to a CNN review of university and law enforcement statements.
Background of Rising Tensions
Tensions on many campuses have risen since Hamas’ October 7 attack, when militants killed about 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory assault on Gaza has killed more than 34,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. CNN cannot independently confirm the numbers due to the lack of international media access to Gaza.
Safety Concerns and Administrative Pressures
As some Jewish students express concern for their safety on campus, college administrators are facing increasing pressure from lawmakers to rein in protests.
Widespread Protest Activity
Protesters carry Palestinian flags during the University of Michigan’s main commencement in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, May 4. Protesters were removed from the ceremony after briefly interrupting the proceedings. No one was arrested, according to Melissa Overton, the university’s deputy police chief and public information officer.
Responses from Law Enforcement
Protesters deface a car after a man drove it toward a crowd at Portland State University on May 2. The driver stopped just short of a group of protesters and sprayed them with “some kind of pepper spray,” police said.
Protests Continue to Spread
As protests continue to spread across various campuses, it is evident that activism surrounding the Palestinian cause has gained significant traction in the U.S. educational landscape. Consequently, the responses from colleges and law enforcement will remain under scrutiny as they navigate the complex dynamics of free speech and student safety.
