Brown University recently reached an agreement with anti-Israel protesters on its Ivy League campus to bring an end to the encampment that had been set up. The demonstrators agreed to dismantle their encampment in exchange for the administration committing to a vote on divestment from Israel in October. This compromise is believed to be the first instance of a U.S. college agreeing to vote on divestment following protests.
In a message to the campus community, Brown President Christina H. Paxton acknowledged the calls for change in response to the devastation and loss of life in the Middle East. She emphasized the university's commitment to resolving differences through dialogue, debate, and listening to each other. President Paxton expressed her disapproval of the encampment, citing violations of university policies and concerns over escalating tensions and inflammatory rhetoric on campuses nationwide.
The agreement was met with celebration by anti-Israel activists on campus, as it led to the dismantling of the encampment. Notably, last November, President Paxton faced criticism for omitting references to Jewish students in a speech following disruptions by pro-Palestinian activists.
