Students across universities in the U.S. and Canada are continuing their protests in support of Palestinian human rights, following months of conflict in Gaza. Demanding divestment from companies profiting from the war and increased transparency about investments, student organizations are pushing for change on their campuses.
While many universities are allowing protests to take place, they are cracking down on encampments, which has led to numerous arrests. George Washington University administrators recently announced the suspension and barring from campus of protesters involved in an encampment.
In New Orleans, at least 10 arrests were made at a pro-Palestinian protest, while skirmishes broke out between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups at UCLA. Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Southern California vandalized property, and the University of Mary Washington arrested 12 people for trespassing at an encampment.
Northeastern University detained approximately 100 people at a pro-Palestinian protest, while Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian encampment remains in place. Portland State University has paused gifts and grants from Boeing, accused of complicity in the Palestinian occupation.
At Arizona State University, 72 people were arrested for trespassing at an encampment, and 23 people were arrested at Indiana University for violating university policy regarding structures at a protest. Washington University in St. Louis saw more than 80 arrests after protesters refused to leave the site.
The push for Palestinian human rights remains strong on university campuses, with students showing their support through various forms of protest and activism. The growing momentum of these movements highlights the importance of social justice and solidarity within the academic community.
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