Education
Pro-Palestinian protests lead to arrests of college students in NYU and Yale
Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
The student protests, which began following the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, have escalated as more campuses join the movement for divestment. Protests have led to around-the-clock encampments, violent arrests, and accusations of suppression of free speech.
At Columbia University, more than 100 protesters were arrested, leading to their suspension and removal from campus. Similarly, over 150 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at NYU, while 45 protesters at Yale were charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing. The Harvard University Palestine Solidarity Committee has been suspended amid ongoing repression, while MIT and Tufts University students are also advocating for divestment from Israeli Ministry of Defense.
The protests at Yale have specifically focused on divesting from military weapons manufacturers, with students receiving warnings about disciplinary actions. The tense atmosphere on campuses raises questions about safety and free speech, with the protests becoming a focal point of discussion among students, faculty, and administrators.
Recently, House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Columbia University to discuss rising antisemitism on college campuses, further adding to the ongoing conversation about the Israel-Hamas conflict. As the protests continue to gain momentum, universities are facing pressure to address the demands of the student protesters while navigating the complexities of the Israel-Palestine issue. Stay tuned to My MBA Career for updates on this developing story.