Biden: ‘Order must reign’ on US campuses amidst protests

U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the necessity of maintaining order on college campuses following weeks of protests and unrest due to student demonstrations against Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. After remaining silent as tensions escalated, Biden spoke shortly after police intervened at a large protest at the University of California, Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of over 200 protesters.

The demonstrations, spanning from New York to California, have challenged universities to balance freedom of speech with maintaining peace, leading to over 2,000 arrests. In his statement, Biden stressed that while the U.S. upholds freedom of speech, it is not a lawless nation and order is essential.

The situation at UCLA escalated as students in protective gear faced off with police, leading to widespread arrests and the university switching to remote classes to ensure safety. Nationwide, similar protests have erupted on around 40 campuses, often resulting in confrontations and police actions.

Biden also addressed the broader implications of the protests, denouncing anti-Semitism and violence against Jewish students, which has been a significant concern amid these demonstrations. His remarks reflect the administration’s effort to navigate the delicate balance between supporting free expression and addressing security and discrimination concerns on campus.

This ongoing unrest comes in response to the extensive casualties in the Gaza Strip, part of the broader conflict initiated by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which has since resulted in significant loss of life on both sides.