NEW YORK (AP) — Protests on universities across the U.S. during the Israel-Hamas war have stirred controversy as some encampments were shut down due to reports of antisemitic activities among the demonstrators. The demonstrations, which demand schools to cut financial ties with Israel and divest from companies enabling the conflict, have caused tension among students and faculty members.
The ongoing protests have sparked concerns over antisemitism, with some Jewish students feeling intimidated and unsafe on campus. As the death toll rises in the Gaza conflict, universities like Northeastern University in Boston and the University of Pennsylvania have taken action to dismantle encampments following complaints of hate speech. In response to the antisemitic slurs observed at the protests, schools emphasized the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone on campus.
While protesters aim to draw attention to the suffering in Gaza, accusations of antisemitism have emerged, prompting universities like Columbia to engage in negotiations with demonstrators. As tensions escalate, faculty members at various universities have issued votes of no confidence against their leadership, adding pressure on school officials to address the protests as graduation ceremonies approach.
Law enforcement intervention has been a common theme in managing the protests, with schools like California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt and Denver’s Auraria Campus resorting to arrests to disband encampments. Columbia University has faced criticism for its handling of the demonstrations, with faculty members citing actions that have reportedly harmed the institution.
The situation has also spread to international universities, with students blocking access to buildings and moving classes online to accommodate the wave of protests. French students at the Paris Institute of Political Studies have joined the movement, reflecting the global impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on university campuses worldwide. As the situation unfolds, the role of universities in balancing free expression with maintaining a safe and inclusive environment remains a topic of debate.