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University officials and law enforcement are taking action against campus protests related to Israel's conflict in Gaza, often labeling the participants as "outside agitators."
Recently, the New York Police Department arrested over a hundred individuals in connection with pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, sparking similar demonstrations at other colleges and universities across the US. Following the arrest of more than 130 protesters at New York University, Mayor Eric Adams attributed the disturbances to "outside agitators" disrupting the city and engaging in violent behavior towards police officers, including throwing bottles and chairs. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry suggested on Fox 5 New York that external funding was supporting these protests, pointing to similarities in the tents used at student encampments.
At Emory University, President Gregory Fenves stated in an April 26 university-wide communication that a group of "highly organized, outside protesters" was responsible for an encampment that led to law enforcement intervention. Videos showed police confronting individuals, including an Emory professor, and using pepper spray on the crowd.
However, Fenves later retracted his statement, acknowledging the involvement of Emory community members in the encampment. He apologized for the mischaracterization and expressed regret over their involvement in law enforcement activities.
Authorities have been vague about the identity and significance of the "outside agitators" and how they distinguish them from university-affiliated protesters.
Aldon Morris, a professor of sociology and African American studies, noted that while large social movements can attract groups seeking to exploit the chaos, authorities often use the "outside agitator" accusation broadly to undermine protests.
The term "outside agitator" has been historically used to discredit protests, including during the Civil Rights Movement. It implies that protesters are influenced by external forces rather than their own concerns.
Recent protests at US colleges and universities demand specific actions, such as divestment from companies linked to Israel or supporting a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the focus has shifted to incidents of antisemitism and disruptions at protests.
Morris views references to "outsiders" as a distraction from the students' main goal of highlighting the situation in Gaza. He believes that by focusing on external elements, administrators and law enforcement might inadvertently strengthen the protest movement.
The presence of outside protesters can bolster the student protests if they share the same goals. However, those with different motives can undermine the movement. Morris warns against administrators' repression of protests, as it often leads to larger and more intense movements.
As demonstrations continue and administrators respond, the conversation is expanding beyond Gaza to include free speech on campus and administrators' obligations to students.