For more than two weeks, American universities have been experiencing a wave of pro-Palestinian and anti-war mobilization in response to the situation in Gaza. The deep emotional divides over Gaza, along with the use of police by some universities to intervene on their campuses, are reminiscent of aspects of student demonstrations against the Vietnam War in the sixties and seventies.
In the 1960s and 70s, American universities were at the forefront of student activism, with protests spanning several years on a variety of issues, including civil rights, student rights, freedoms, and opposition to the Vietnam War. While demonstrations have continued to occur since then, sometimes on a smaller scale related to local issues, and other times on a larger scale such as protests against apartheid in South Africa.
Harvard University historian Julie Rubin who has studied student activism believes that this movement bears similarities to past protest movements in the country. She sees parallels particularly in terms of the emotionally charged nature of the issues at hand. The Vietnam War was a highly controversial topic that sparked strong opposition and divisions among Americans similar to the current situation in Gaza. Similarly, some institutions cracking down on protests with police intervention is reminiscent of past university responses during those times.
However, while these current protests may not reach the scale of those in the sixties, it is notable how quickly they have spread to numerous universities across America. Some institutions now call for police intervention while others opt for more lenient disciplinary measures. This evolution highlights how university responses continue to evolve over time while facing unique challenges and circumstances such as social media’s impact on activism and campus security concerns.
The rapid spread of this movement signals its power and relevance today just as it did during those historic days when students stood up for what they believed was right. It also serves as a reminder that despite different circumstances or eras, there remains an ongoing need for open dialogue and peaceful protest as means towards positive change.