2024-04-25 23:52:18
New York: These days, American universities have become a hub of protests leaving aside studies. Hundreds of students are protesting on various campuses across the US, including the prestigious Columbia University, Yale, New York University and MIT. Their demands include a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a freeze on US military aid to Israel, a ban on arms suppliers and other companies profiting from the war from investing in the university, and strong action against the ongoing genocide in Palestine.
However, Israeli supporters are concerned about the security of the university campus. He has alleged that American university campuses are promoting anti-Semitism, threats and hate speech. “Students have the right to protest, but they are not allowed to disrupt campus functions or harass and intimidate students,” said Ben Chang, Columbia’s vice president of public affairs.
Who are these students?
Some of the pro-Palestinian protesters are students and teachers from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim religions. Groups organizing the demonstrations include pro-Palestinian students and teachers. Among them are some Jews who do not agree with the policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu government. At the University of California, Berkeley, pro-Palestinian students and their allies have set up about 15 tents, The Mercury News reports. Various types of teachings, interfaith prayers and music concerts are being organized in these camps.
Where are the protests happening?
Most of the demonstrations are taking place at Columbia University. More than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested here last week. On Monday, there were reports that the campus gates were closed to anyone without a school ID. The protesters were holding placards that read “Israel must be destroyed.” Citing safety as its top priority, Columbia also announced that courses on the Morningside campus will offer virtual options for students whenever possible.
Bad conditions at Harvard University
Protestors have also created terror in Harvard University. Harvard Yard was closed to the public on Monday. It said structures including tents and tables are allowed in the yard only after prior permission. “Students who violate these policies may also be subject to disciplinary action,” the order said. Security guards are checking people’s school IDs. The Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee said university administration had suspended their group. In the suspension notice provided by the student body, the university wrote that the group’s April 19 demonstration violated school policy.
Demonstration in Yale University also
Police have arrested about 45 protesters at Yale University. Protestors set up tents and demonstrated at Beneke Plaza on Friday. The protesters said Yale University should stop any investment in all defense companies doing business with Israel. Yale President Peter Salovey said in a statement that university officials had spoken to student protesters several times about the school’s policies and guidelines, including allowing speech and access to campus spaces. Following Monday’s arrests at Yale, a large group of protesters gathered and blocked a road near the campus.
Also demonstrated at MIT, Boston and New York University
MIT students have also been involved in anti-Israel protests. A student studying electrical engineering was one of about two dozen students who set up a tent on the school’s Cambridge University, Massachusetts campus on Sunday evening. He demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Apart from this, hundreds of protesters were also involved in anti-Israel demonstration at New York University. At the same time, Boston University students boycotted classes in protest against the arrest of pro-Palestinian student protesters at Columbia University.