Student anti-war protesters dig in as faculty condemn universities' leadership over calling police

Student anti-war activists stand firm as faculty denounce university leadership for police involvement

Students Across U.S. Continue Protests Against Israel-Hamas Conflict Despite Police Clashes

 

NEW YORK — Despite clashes with police in riot gear, students protesting the Israel-Hamas conflict at universities across the United States remained steadfast on Saturday, vowing to persist with their demonstrations. Meanwhile, faculty at several schools criticized university presidents for resorting to law enforcement to remove protesters.

 

At Columbia University in New York, negotiations are ongoing with protesters at a pro-Palestinian student encampment on campus. The university's senate passed a resolution on Friday to establish a task force aimed at scrutinizing the administration's handling of the situation. Last week, the university called in police to clear the protest, resulting in scuffles and over 100 arrests.

 

While Columbia University has repeatedly set and postponed deadlines for the removal of the encampment, an email sent to students on Friday night stated that reintroducing police "at this time" would be counterproductive.

 

The protests come amidst escalating violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict, with demonstrators nationwide demanding that schools sever financial ties with Israel and divest from companies they allege are fueling the conflict.

 

Some Jewish students have expressed concern that the protests have crossed into antisemitism, leading them to fear for their safety on campus.

 

As the death toll rises in the Gaza conflict, tensions continue to mount on university campuses across the United States as students voice their opposition to the ongoing violence in the Middle East.