In the United States, more than 2,000 students have been arrested for protesting in support of Palestinians at universities across the country. These students are gathering on campuses to protest the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and to demand action from President Joe Biden to stop the violence. They are also calling for their universities to divest from companies that support the Israeli government, such as arms supply companies.
The conflict surrounding the Israeli 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. This has prompted some universities, like the 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.
However, peaceful protests have not always resulted in arrests or disruptions on campus. At Ann Arbor, students boycotted the beginning of the University of Michigan’s graduation ceremony to show solidarity with Palestinians. While this caused some disruption, campus police ultimately did not make any arrests. Despite this peaceful protest, tensions rose at other universities as police arrested protesters who violated policies by setting up tents and using loudspeakers. For example, at least 25 student protesters were arrested at Virginia Tech for disrupting a football game while chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.
