Students across universities in the U.S. are engaged in protests against the Israel-Hamas war, with some demonstrations turning confrontational. At Columbia University, negotiations are ongoing with a pro-Palestinian student encampment on campus. The university's senate passed a resolution to create a task force to examine the administration's handling of the situation, which involved calling in police resulting in scuffles and over 100 arrests.
Protests are demanding universities to cut financial ties with Israel and divest from companies linked to the conflict. However, some Jewish students have expressed concerns about the protests turning into antisemitism, making them fearful to be on campus.
Several universities have faced tensions as they grapple with the protests, with faculty members in California, Georgia, and Texas expressing no confidence in their leadership. Despite symbolic rebukes, these actions have added pressure on school officials, especially with graduation ceremonies approaching.
Instances of police intervention have occurred at various campuses, such as California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, and Denver's Auraria Campus, resulting in arrests on trespassing charges.
At Columbia University, student negotiators have reached an impasse with administrators, vowing to continue their protest until their demands, including divestment, are met. The university's president faced criticism from faculty members but retained support from trustees.
Protest organizers distanced themselves from controversial comments made by a student protester, leading to the individual being banned from campus. Similar clashes between police and protesters have been reported at Indiana University, Ohio State University, and the University of Connecticut.
Amidst the escalating situation, the University of Southern California canceled its upcoming graduation ceremony, while faculty members at various universities have taken steps to express their dissatisfaction with their presidents.
