Student protests spreading across the U.S. intensify at Harvard University – Appeal to end war in Gaza – Bloomberg

Student protests over the war between Israel and the Islamic organization Hamas have intensified at Harvard University, a prestigious university in the United States, and unrest is spreading on campuses like those at Columbia University, Yale University, and New York University (NYU).

According to Harvard University’s student newspaper, The Crimson, hundreds of students held a rally on the 24th to protest the suspension of the Palestine Solidarity Committee. Students poured out of their dormitories and onto campus, some setting up tents as cheers rose.

Protests have also spread to the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley, calling on the schools to sever financial ties with Israeli companies and calling on the U.S. government to end military aid. University authorities are trying to walk a difficult tightrope between free speech and order, leading some to the arrest of students and the dismantling of protest encampments.

Meanwhile, at Columbia University, which has attracted national attention, the deadline for concluding negotiations, which had been set for midnight, was extended by two days, citing “significant progress” in talks between the university and students. The student newspaper reported this on the morning of the 24th, based on a statement from the school. More than 100 people were arrested at the school last week, sparking fears that the university would call in police to remove the tents.

The Ivy League university has become a symbol of the division and turmoil on campus over the war between Israel and Hamas. New York Governor Hoechl met with university leaders, police, and student organizations early on the 22nd to discuss the balance between campus safety and freedom of expression.

Columbia University is not alone in having to respond to disruption.

At Yale University, 60 people were arrested on the 22nd, including 47 students. University President Peter Salovey cited “police reports of harmful conduct and threatening language and behavior toward individuals at and near the protest site.”

In New York City, about 350 NYU students gathered in Washington Square Park to protest the university’s response to Israel’s war and protests. More than 100 people were arrested this week after camping near NYU’s Graduate School of Business.

Near the protest site, some people sold Palestinian flags and keffiyeh scarves with traditional patterns.

Demonstrations spread at prestigious US universities, spurred by harsh responses from Columbia University and Yale University Columbia University moves to online classes as Israeli protests intensify

Original title: Harvard Protests Escalate as Tensions Spread Over Israel-Hamas (excerpt)