Amid escalating tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses across the United States, students are advocating for the divestment of college and university funds from Israeli military operations. Here’s a list of schools involved in the protests:
- California’s Cal Poly Humboldt
- Columbia University
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- New York University
- Tufts University
- University of Minnesota
- Yale University
These protests, some of which have been continuous encampments, have led to hundreds of nationwide arrests. The rallies began following arrests and student removals at Columbia University and have since spread to other campuses.
About 150 pro-Palestinian protestors were taken into custody at New York University on April 22, while approximately 45 individuals at Yale University were charged with criminal trespassing on the same day.
While most protests at universities have been nonviolent, there have been a few documented instances of violence. Some colleges are now offering remote or hybrid learning options to their students in response to safety concerns that surfaced during the protests.
Latest Developments
Here’s a look at the latest developments across the country:
Harvard University
Harvard University suspended the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee, a student organization that was being investigated, amid continuing discussions on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The group has expressed disapproval of the move, claiming that the university administration is engaging in targeted crackdowns and repression.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
In a show of protest, MIT students are camped out and demanding that the university stop sponsoring Israeli military operations. Protesters aren’t backing down from their calls for divestment.
New York University
On Monday night, more than 150 individuals were taken into custody at New York University while school officials asked the NYPD for help in clearing a plaza on the Manhattan campus. Protesters aren’t going away despite the arrests; they’re still pushing for divestment and opposing what they see as institutional violence.
University of Minnesota
Nine students at the University of Minnesota were taken into custody after establishing a pro-Palestinian camp and calling for the divestment of funds from companies and educational establishments that back Israel. The arrests coincide with a surge of unrest on American college campuses as students show support for Gaza and face consequences for their actions.
Yale University
Students at Yale University have been protesting for the last week, calling for the university to cut ties with manufacturers that make military weaponry. Students are still protesting, demanding transparency regarding investments from Israeli weapons makers, even after university administrators warned them that there could be disciplinary punishment.
As tensions persist and protests continue, college campuses remain at the center of debates surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
