American universities from so many days, continue to witness protests against the Israel-Palestine conflicts. Including in renowned universities like Columbia University, Yale, New York University and MIT.
In Colombia, more than 100 pro-Palestinians protesters camped out on green last week. Further, the university administration announced, that the courses of the Morningside campus will take the route of online classes. When asked about this decision, the administration cited safety as a reason.
While in Massachusetts, the Harvard yard was closed on Monday. Which said structures including tents & tables were allowed only with prior permission given. If not complied with, will be subjected to the disciplinary action.
What Are Students’s Demands?
While the demands may vary among colleges, one common demand remains largely consistent at its core. That is permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Second is the ending of US military assistance to Israel, divesting universities from Israel-linked companies or from businesses which is making profit from its war against Israel-Palestine war. And last finish academic ties with Israeli universities.
The administrators of universities are dealing with increasing pressure of reining on the protestors. As a result, various us universities have called the police leading to the arrests of hundreds of students.
The Colombia university, which is now the center of the protest, has passed the resolution. Which is to look into the handling of the protests by the university leaders.
The New York Colombia university too has also initiated taken severe actions against the protestors. They have recently banned the student leader which declared that “Zionists don’t deserve to live” Later he apologized.
However, none of the universities have announced plans to de-linked themselves from Israeli investments. In fact one professor at Yale university just said that such move will be viewed hostile to many students, teachers and the staff.
The White house too has condemned these protests. Saying “Echoing the rhetoric of terrorist organizations, especially in the wake of the worst massacre committed against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, is despicable. We condemn these statements in the strongest terms” the white house.
Meanwhile, the supporters of Israel are worried about the security of the campus and have alleged that these universities are encouraging anti-Semitism, intimidation and hate speech.
