Scholars instigate a strike against Columbia University, mirroring demonstrations escalating nationwide in the United States.
In a series of recent developments, student activists across the United States have been rallying for Palestine and demanding divestment from companies involved in Israel's occupation of Palestinian land and alleged human rights violations. The movement, however, has been met with significant institutional pushback and administrative bans.
At Columbia University and Barnard College, several academics and scholars have condemned the targeting of students and attacks on academic freedom. Notable figures like academic Marc Lamont Hill have pulled out of scheduled lectures over the ongoing repression at the university and academic boycott. Hill urged Columbia University to meet the boycott's demands and cancelled his appearance, along with the accompanying $10,000 award.
The Graduate Center Program in English at Columbia University announced a full academic boycott of both institutions until they reinstate suspended students and respond to their demands. Several others have released public statements cutting ties with the prestigious university in solidarity with the students.
Organizers at Columbia University reported that several students who did not initially identify with the encampment felt compelled to join the movement out of disgust with the university administrators. This sentiment has been echoed on various campuses, with encampments appearing at universities such as MIT, Tufts, Emerson in Boston; New York University and The New School in New York City; Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee; Yale University in Connecticut; University of California-Berkeley; The University of Michigan; Washington University in St Louis; and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Students at Tufts University, for example, have set up encampments and stated their presence is dedicated to coalition building and meaningful solidarity organizing for institutional divestment. The Coalition for Palestinian Liberation at Tufts, consisting of several groups, has stated that the demonstrations will continue until investments are disclosed and divestment occurs.
The University of California system has imposed a ban on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement across all its campuses, forbidding student governments from boycotting companies based on country associations. This policy shift came after warnings from the Trump administration that institutions supporting BDS risk losing eligibility for federal research grants. The UC administration contends the ban is necessary to protect academic freedom and maintain sound business practices, yet it has been criticized for effectively suppressing Palestine solidarity activism on campus.
Despite these bans and administrative crackdowns, student protests and walkouts continue. Around 85 students from Columbia University and Barnard College have since been suspended for taking part in the direct action. Similar arrests occurred at Yale University, where 47 students were arrested on Monday morning.
While some observers may have prematurely declared the student Palestine solidarity movement dead following increased repression, activists have proven persistent. They continue to raise awareness and press for divestment despite fears, disciplinary measures, and administrative censorship. The movement's focus has shifted toward exposing hidden university investments tied to Israeli occupation, while navigating a challenging environment marked by crackdowns and legal scrutiny.
This dynamic highlights the ongoing tension between student activism and university governance regarding Palestine solidarity in U.S. higher education. The resilience of the student movement for Palestine serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the desire for justice among young people in the United States.
[1] Source: Palestine Legal (2023). The Criminalization of Palestine Activism in the U.S. [Online]. Available: https://palestinelegal.org/report-the-criminalization-of-palestine-activism-in-the-u-s [2] Source: American Civil Liberties Union (2023). University of California Regents Violate Free Speech Rights of Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community Members. [Online]. Available: https://www.aclusocal.org/en/news/uc-regents-violate-free-speech-rights-students-faculty-staff-and-community-members [3] Source: Electronic Intifada (2023). UC Regents approve controversial Israel divestment ban. [Online]. Available: https://electronicintifada.net/content/uc-regents-approve-controversial-israel-divestment-ban/27878 [4] Source: Inside Higher Ed (2023). UC Regents Approve Ban on Boycotts of Israel. [Online]. Available: https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2023/02/21/uc-regents-approve-ban-boycotts-israel
- The Palestine solidarity movement by student activists in the United States has faced significant opposition, with academic boycotts and administrative bans at institutions like Columbia University and Barnard College.
- The Graduate Center Program in English at Columbia University announced a full academic boycott, pressing the institution to reinstate suspended students and address their demands.
- Encampments supporting the movement have popped up at various universities across the country, including MIT, Tufts, and Yale, with students pushing for divestment and institutional action.
- The University of California system has imposed a ban on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, citing reasons like protecting academic freedom and maintaining sound business practices.
- Despite potential consequences, student protests for Palestine solidarity continue, with dozens of students facing disciplinary measures and arrests at universities like Columbia, Barnard, and Yale. This persistent activism underscores the enduring commitment of young people in the US to advocating for justice and self-development in the middle east politics and general news, particularly in the context of Israel and Palestine.
