Students have set up encampments at Columbia University, urging the institution to sever ties with Israeli businesses and disclose its investments|@deejay_trixx|X
Protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza have erupted on college campuses across the nation at several institutions, including Columbia University, the University of Southern California (USC), Ohio State University, George Washington University and Northwestern University.
Many protesters are condemning Israel’s actions. They have clashed with law enforcement and disrupted class.
The focal point of these demonstrations has been the demand for universities to divest from companies supporting Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
From Columbia to USC: Unified voices
At the forefront of these protests is Columbia University, where students have set up encampments, urging the institution to sever ties with Israeli businesses and disclose its investments.
Their demands also extend to support for marginalized communities in Harlem and a call for the university to distance itself from the New York Police Department (NYPD). The university students also filed civil rights complaints against the university.
Last week, tensions rose when President Minouche Shafik called in the NYPD to remove protesters, resulting in over 100 arrests.
Similar sentiments were echoed at Harvard and the University of Southern California (USC), with protesters advocating for amnesty for detainees and a police-free campus environment.
Yale University witnessed the arrest of 48 protesters, who are also demanding divestment from military weapons manufacturers and disclosure of investment destinations.
While Princeton outlined a list of demands, the USC made headlines by canceling a graduation ceremony.
Despite facing crackdowns from school administrators, reports show a mix of participation, discomfort and fear among students in these demonstrations.