Amid arrests of pro-Palestine protesters at universities, the Muslim Public Affairs Council has strongly criticized the use of militaristic force and the potential deployment of the National Guard. The council expressed concern over the dangerous precedent set by crackdowns on students and urged people of conscience to oppose such actions.
The Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University, aimed at protesting the university's financial ties to corporations profiting from Israeli policies in Palestine, has been a focal point of the council's statements. MPAC emphasized the need for a reevaluation of protest handling strategies on campuses, advocating for de-escalation and constructive dialogue over force and intimidation.
In a separate statement, MPAC accused the White House of applying double standards in responding to violence and intimidation. The council pointed out the lack of consistent support for pro-Palestinian students facing various forms of harassment compared to the administration's swift condemnation of similar acts against Jewish students.
