Protests have erupted at colleges and universities nationwide in connection with the conflict in Gaza. Many pro-Palestinian demonstrators are calling for their institutions to divest funds from Israeli military operations, while some Jewish students view these protests as antisemitic and express concerns for their safety.
The protests, some of which have turned into continuous encampments, have spread across the country following incidents at Columbia University in New York City. Similar protests have occurred at Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California, and others.
Police dismantled an encampment at the University of Chicago early Tuesday, while UCLA's Chancellor Gene Block announced a police investigation into violence against pro-Palestinian protesters on campus.
At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, protesters are resisting orders to vacate their encampment. MIT President Sally Kornbluth warned that the prolonged use of campus property for protests, especially on such contentious issues, is unsustainable.
At the University of California, San Diego, police arrested 64 people, including 40 students, in the early hours of Monday morning, leading to the suspension of classes and remote learning. UCLA also shifted to remote learning due to ongoing disruptions.
Harvard University's interim president, Alan M. Garber, threatened to place students participating in the protest encampment on involuntary leave, barring them from campus activities.
Emory University in Atlanta relocated its commencement activities off-campus due to safety concerns. Emory President Gregory Fenves stated that the decision was made in consultation with security advisors and law enforcement.
Columbia University decided not to hold a campus-wide commencement ceremony on May 15, opting for smaller, school-based celebrations instead, citing security concerns and student preferences.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block announced measures to enhance campus safety following recent protests, including the creation of the Office of Campus Safety and the appointment of Rick Braziel to lead it. Braziel will work closely with a formal advisory group of safety experts to improve security processes and rebuild trust within the community.