In recent weeks, American universities have seen a surge of protests and confrontations related to the Israeli war in Gaza. These protests are being led by more than 2,000 students who are demanding action from President Joe Biden to stop the violence and calling for their universities to divest from companies that support the Israeli government, such as arms supply companies.
At the University of Virginia, tensions reached a boiling point as police arrested at least 25 student protesters and cleared a sit-in camp. The university stated that the protesters violated policies by setting up tents and using loudspeakers. In response, university President Jim Ryan expressed concerns about outside individuals joining the protests on campus.
Similar protests and confrontations occurred at other universities, with some resulting in arrests while others did not. 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.
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.