Pro-Palestinian Protests Shake US Colleges Post Columbia Mass Arrests

Columbia University canceled in-person classes as campuses across top U.S. universities faced unrest due to escalating tensions over Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Amid these tensions, more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested on Columbia’s campus, and encampments similar to Columbia’s sprang up at other universities.

New York University saw its protest swell to hundreds, resulting in police intervention after reports of disorderly conduct and anti-Semitic incidents. This led to several arrests late Monday evening.

Yale University and Harvard also experienced significant protests. Harvard closed its gates to the public, only allowing entry to those with a university ID, while Yale saw the arrest of around 45 protesters for trespassing during a demonstration at Beinecke Plaza.

The universities are navigating the fine line between permitting free expression and maintaining safety on campus. These protests have brought to the forefront issues of free speech, with students expressing both support and opposition to the Israeli actions in Gaza. The campuses have become grounds for broader discussions and conflicts mirroring the geopolitical tensions, highlighting the deep divisions and the complex interplay of student activism, university policies, and international conflicts.