Pro-Palestinian protests have persisted at major US universities, denouncing Israel's bombardment of Gaza. The demonstrations have led to arrests of hundreds of protesters across the country as tensions escalate.
Protesters are calling for schools to divest campus funds from entities connected to Israel in response to the ongoing conflict. Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of more than 34,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health ministry. In contrast, Hamas' attack on Israel in October claimed about 1,200 lives.
College administrators are under pressure from lawmakers to address the protests. At Columbia University, the epicenter of the demonstrations, the school's senate passed a resolution to investigate the university leadership's handling of the protests.
Latest Developments:
- Arizona State University: Three individuals were arrested on suspicion of trespassing for setting up an unauthorized encampment.
- Barnard College: Resolutions have been reached with most students previously placed on interim suspension for participating in protest encampments.
- Columbia University: A student spokesperson for the Columbia University Apartheid Divest coalition was banned after making controversial remarks about Zionists.
- Denver Campuses: Around 40 individuals were arrested out of approximately 100 who set up a pro-Palestinian encampment.
- Emory University: Faculty expressed concerns over violent arrests on campus, with calls for the university president to step down.
- George Washington University: Students remaining in University Yard may face temporary suspension and campus restrictions.
- Ohio State University: 36 demonstrators were arrested for refusing dispersal orders.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Students gathered to demand divestment from corporations investing in Israel.
- University of Southern California: The university will investigate to ensure safety on campus following recent events.
- University of Texas at Austin: The Palestine Solidarity Committee has been placed on interim suspension after organizing an event that led to multiple arrests.
- Virginia Tech: School officials addressed an encampment on campus, stating it did not comply with university policy.
- Yale University: Faculty groups criticized student arrests and administration for failing to protect Jewish students, staff, and faculty.