Amid escalating clashes, U.S. university campuses have become battlegrounds for protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Police confrontations have raised concerns over free speech and security measures.
At Emory University in Atlanta, police used tear gas and Tasers to disperse protesters attempting to erect a tent encampment similar to those seen at Columbia University. Nearly 28 people were detained.
Similar scenarios unfolded across campuses, including at Princeton University in New Jersey, where officers swarmed a newly formed encampment.
At Emerson College in Boston, over 100 people were arrested as police forcibly removed a pro-Palestinian encampment.
The University of Southern California saw 93 arrests in Los Angeles, prompting administrators to cancel the main graduation ceremony due to security concerns.
At Columbia University, tensions remain high as university officials have given protesters until Friday to reach an agreement on dismantling tents set up on campus.
Despite condemnations from Human Rights Watch and the ACLU, some Republicans have accused university administrators of allowing Jewish students to be harassed.
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressed concerns over reports of antisemitism, further fueling the debate over free speech and campus security.
Protest leaders emphasize their aim to pressure universities into divesting from companies supporting Israeli military actions in Gaza.
However, they deny allegations of antisemitism, attributing any harassment to infiltrators seeking to malign their movement.
In response to the protests, conservative pro-Israel demonstrators staged counterprotests outside Columbia University, highlighting the complex dynamics surrounding the issue.
The clashes underscore the delicate balance between upholding free speech rights and ensuring campus security, as universities grapple with heightened tensions and growing public scrutiny.
