US Universities Face Intensifying Protests Over Gaza Conflict: Divestment Demands, Allegations of Intimidation
Protests at prestigious US universities have escalated in recent weeks, with students and agitators disrupting campus activities in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Anger towards university officials and law enforcement has led to mass arrests and closed classes.
At Columbia University in New York, students are protesting and calling for the university to divest from companies that profit from Israeli policies in Palestine.
Some argue that these protests encourage hate speech and intimidation, leading to concerns about campus safety.
Jewish students have reported anti-Semitic incidents.
Columbia's vice president of public affairs, Ben Chang, stated that students have the right to protest but are not allowed to disrupt campus life or intimidate others.
University officials are meeting with demonstrators in an attempt to address their concerns.
Protesters, including Jewish students from the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment," have denied instances of anti-Semitism and are supporting Palestinians.
They criticized their college administration, representatives in Congress, and the president for equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, silencing and suspending those with opposing views.
Jewish student Sarah Borus from Barnard College spoke out at a news conference organized by Jewish and Palestinian students.