In the US, over 2,000 students have been arrested for protesting in support of Palestinians at universities across the country. These students are gathering on campuses to demand action from President Joe Biden to stop the violence in Gaza Strip and to call for their universities to divest from companies that support Israeli government such as arms supply companies.
At the University of Virginia, tensions rose as police arrested at least 25 student protesters and cleared a sit-in camp. The university stated that the protesters violated policies by setting up tents and using loudspeakers. In response, university President Jim Ryan mentioned concerns about outside individuals joining the protests on campus.
Similar protests occurred at other universities but not all resulted in arrests. At Ann Arbor, students boycotted the beginning of the University of Michigan’s graduation ceremony to show solidarity with Palestinians. Although this caused some disruption, campus police did not make any arrests.
The conflict surrounding Israel’s war in Gaza has led to varying viewpoints and acts of violence at American universities over the past few weeks. Several universities including Columbia University have called in police to control protests which has prompted some universities like University of Michigan to change their security protocols for graduation ceremonies. Peaceful protests have been a longstanding tradition at these events with the university supporting freedom of expression.
