WASHINGTON (TLNA) — Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, protests have erupted on college campuses across the United States, resulting in thousands of arrests and heightened tensions. The Associated Press has reported over 2,100 arrests at 35 schools since demonstrations began at Columbia University on April 18.

Escalating Tensions and Arrests

Protests, primarily in support of Palestine, have led to clashes with law enforcement as police dismantle encampments and clear barricades. Students are demanding their universities divest from Israel and condemn the high civilian death toll in Gaza due to Israel’s conflict with Hamas.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation, affirming the importance of dissent in democracy but condemning chaotic protests. Former President Donald Trump praised police efforts in clearing encampments, expressing pride in law enforcement’s actions.

Republican leaders like U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton criticized pro-Palestinian protests, denouncing them as “disgusting cesspools of antisemitic hate.” Calls for university administrators’ resignations and proposals to cut their pay have emerged among California Republicans.

Campus-Specific Actions

At Portland State University (PSU), police cleared anti-Israel protesters from Millar Library, only for protesters to return later. In a tense standoff, police discovered improvised weapons inside the library, indicating potential plans for confrontation.

Similarly, the University of Minnesota reached an agreement with protesters to end their encampment, allowing them to address the university’s Board of Regents regarding divestment from Israel.

George Washington University saw ongoing protests, met with a planned rally against antisemitism. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith affirmed protesters’ right to free speech but emphasized maintaining peaceful demonstrations.

At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), hundreds were arrested as police cracked down on protesters defying orders to leave. The clashes resulted in injuries and flash-bangs being used to disperse crowds.

Nationwide Impact

Protests spread to New York universities, where arrests were made at NYU, Stony Brook, and Fordham University. While some universities negotiated with protesters, others, like Yale and Dartmouth College, saw arrests following demonstrations.

Protests also extended beyond campuses, with demonstrators blocking access to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and disrupting graduation ceremonies in Florida universities.

Balancing Rights and Safety

The wave of protests reflects deep-seated sentiments regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, but also raises questions about the boundaries of free speech on college campuses. As tensions escalate, universities face the challenge of ensuring safety while upholding principles of academic freedom and peaceful protest.

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