A wave of protests at universities across the United States over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and divestment from companies linked to Israel has led to violent confrontations and arrests.
Police have resorted to using chemical irritants and Tasers to disperse students protesting for a ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from Israel-linked companies on various university campuses. Scuffles have broken out between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators at UCLA, where the pro-Palestinian encampment has expanded while counter-protesters have become more vocal.
The situation has escalated with hundreds of students being arrested at universities in the US as protests spread. At Northeastern University, police detained about 100 people and removed tents from a protest camp. Similarly, 23 people were arrested at Indiana University as a campus protest camp was cleared, and 69 people were arrested at Arizona State University for setting up an unauthorized encampment on campus.
Despite the university leaders’ efforts to control the protests, students and faculty members have been disciplined or fired for participating in demonstrations. Many students are facing expulsion or suspension and feeling that their institutions do not protect them.
The protests have not only spread to universities in Canada, Europe, and Australia but have also led to cancellations of graduation ceremonies and occupations of university buildings. Protesters are risking expulsion and significant financial costs due to their activism, demanding divestment and protection for arrested students worldwide.
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