'Let the kids go': Scores arrested as Pro-Palestine protests continue to roil US colleges

NEW DELHI: Protests have erupted across several US university campuses as students demand a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Police have detained over 700 demonstrators so far, and some universities are experiencing violent clashes between law enforcement and activists. This surge in arrests reflects the ongoing challenge for colleges nationwide in managing the rise of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and encampments on their campuses.

Demonstrations that initially erupted at Columbia University have now spread to numerous other campuses across the United States, a staunch ally of Israel.

Activists and media present at the scene report that law enforcement, acting at the direction of college administrators, have employed tasers and tear gas against student protesters at Emory University in Atlanta. Despite the protests remaining largely peaceful, these actions were taken.

Police disperse pro-Palestinian camps

Nearly 200 protesters were detained on Saturday at Northeastern University, Arizona State University, Indiana University, and Washington University in St Louis, as confirmed by officials. Marking the latest campus clashes stemming from protests against Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

In the last week, schools all over the country have been handling protests in different ways. Some have tried to calm things down and reduce tension. But at places like the University of Southern California and Emory University, police have moved in quickly to break up protests, arresting students and faculty members, along with others, as NYT reported.

Early Saturday, police cleared an encampment at Northeastern University, arresting about 102 protesters for trespassing and disorderly conduct. Protesters had 15 minutes to disperse. Nearby, a group chanted, “Let the Kids Go,” and slogans against the war in Gaza, while booing police cars and taunting officers.

College protesters push for amnesty to avoid arrests and suspensions

The student’s situation has become a focal point of protests, as both students and an increasing number of faculty members call for their amnesty. The debate centers on whether universities and law enforcement will drop the charges and refrain from imposing further consequences, or if suspensions and legal records will continue to affect students into their futures as adults.

Call for peace and change in Gaza

Students are demanding a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, cessation of US military aid to Israel, university divestment from arms manufacturers and other firms benefitting from the conflict, and amnesty for disciplined or terminated students and faculty involved in protests.

Solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza

Student protesters express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where the death toll has reportedly exceeded 34,305, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. They advocate for universities to divest from investments linked to Israel and weapons contributing to the conflict in Gaza. This includes investments managed by BlackRock, Google, Amazon’s cloud service, Lockheed Martin, and even Airbnb.

Students and faculty unite in campus protests

The protests have attracted students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, including those of Jewish and Muslim faiths. Organizing groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace are involved in coordinating the demonstrations.

Additionally, the encampments have become hubs for various activities, including teach-ins, interfaith prayers, and musical performances, drawing a diverse array of participants.

Response from the authorities

School administrators and local law enforcement have taken a tough stance against the protests.

Columbia University and its affiliated Barnard College have suspended numerous students who participated in the protests. Additionally, over 100 protesters have been arrested at Columbia. University President Minouche Shafik summoned the New York Police to dismantle the encampment, citing violations of rules against unauthorized protests. This action occurred just a day after Shafik testified before a committee of the US House of Representatives.

Yale police arrested 60 protesters on Monday after offering them multiple chances to disperse. Meanwhile, the New York Police Department detained 120 individuals at NYU due to concerns about safety and security.

Reactions from political leaders

Democratic President Joe Biden, criticized by protesters for providing funding and weapons to Israel, denounced both “antisemitic protests” and “those who lack understanding of the Palestinian situation” during a statement to reporters on Monday.

Former Republican President Donald Trump, running for the 2024 election, referred to the campus protest situation as “chaotic” as he entered the second day of his criminal trial in New York.

(With inputs from agencies)

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