‘Let the kids go’: Scores arrested as Pro-Palestine protests continue to roil US colleges

Apr28,2024



New Delhi: Protests have begun on several US university campuses as students demand a ceasefire in Israel's conflict with Hamas. Police have so far detained more than 700 protesters, and there have been violent clashes between law enforcement and activists at some universities. This increase in arrests reflects the ongoing challenge for colleges across the country in managing the increase in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and encampments on their campuses.
demonstrations that erupted in the beginning Columbia University Now spread to many other campuses in the United States, a staunch ally of Israel.
Activists and media at the scene report that law enforcement, acting on instructions from college administrators, have used Tasers and tear gas against student protesters at Emory University in Atlanta. This action was taken despite the protests being largely peaceful.
Police dispersed pro-Palestine camps
About 200 protesters were detained Saturday at Northeastern University, Arizona State University, Indiana University and Washington University in St. Louis, as authorities confirmed. Marking the latest campus clashes stemming from protests against Israel's conflict with Hamas.
Schools across the country have been dealing with the protests in different ways this past week. Some people have tried to calm things down and reduce tension. But at places like the University of Southern California and Emory University, police took immediate action to break up protests and arrest students and faculty members, as well as others, the NYT reports.
Early Saturday, police removed the encroachment at Northeastern University and arrested around 102 protesters for encroachment and disorderly conduct. The protesters had 15 minutes to disperse. Nearby, a group chanted “Let the children go” and against the war in Gaza, while banging on police vehicles and taunting officers.
College protesters are demanding amnesty to avoid arrest and suspension
The students' situation has become the focal point of the protests, as students and a growing number of faculty members are demanding their apology. The debate focuses on whether the university and law enforcement will drop the charges and avoid imposing further consequences, or whether the suspensions and legal records will continue to affect students in their future as adults.
Call for peace and change in Gaza
The students are demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US military aid to Israel, the university's divestment from arms manufacturers and other companies that profit from the conflict, and an apology for disciplined or dismissed students and faculty involved in the protests.
Solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza
Student protesters expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where the death toll has reportedly reached more than 34,305, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. He advocates for Israel-linked investments from universities and the removal of weapons that contribute to the conflict in Gaza. This includes investments managed by BlackRock, Google, Amazon's cloud service, Lockheed Martin, and even Airbnb.
Students and teachers unite in campus protest
The protests have attracted students and teachers from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim religions. Organized groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace are involved in coordinating the demonstrations.
Additionally, the camps have become centers of various activities, including teach-ins, inter-religious prayers, and musical performances involving a diverse range of participants.
response from officials
School administrators and local law enforcement have taken a tough stance against the protests.
Columbia University and its affiliate Barnard College have suspended several students who participated in the protests. Additionally, more than 100 protesters have been arrested in Colombia. University President Minouche Shafiq called on the New York Police to remove the encroachment, citing a violation of rules against unauthorized protests. The action came just a day after Shafiq testified before a committee of the US House of Representatives.
Yale police arrested 60 protesters on Monday after giving them several opportunities to disperse. Meanwhile, the New York Police Department detained 120 individuals at NYU due to safety and security concerns.
Reactions of political leaders
democratic president Joe BidenCriticized by protesters for providing funding and weapons to Israel, he condemned both “anti-Semitism” and “those who lack understanding of the Palestinian situation” during a statement to reporters on Monday.
former republican president Donald TrumpRunning for election in 2024, he described the situation at the campus protests as “chaotic” as his criminal trial entered the second day in New York.
(with inputs from agencies)



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