Following a display of patriotism at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where students prevented an American flag from hitting the ground and sang the National Anthem, students at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, also showed their patriotism amidst anti-Israel protests on campus.
On Thursday, Rutgers students gathered on Voorhees Mall, waving American flags and chanting 'USA!' in response to the ongoing protests. Jeremy Li, a student at Rutgers, commended the patriotic students for standing up for American values during a time of conflicting chaos on campus.
Li expressed his hope that the movement of patriotic displays, which began at UNC, would spread across the country, emphasizing the importance of upholding American ideals.
The protests at Rutgers led to the cancellation of final exams on Thursday, causing concern among students, including a Jewish student named Abbey, who highlighted the need for a safe environment for all students during exam periods.
Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway addressed the disruptions caused by the protests, emphasizing the university's commitment to free speech while ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for students.
Noting the recent incidents at other campuses, Li expressed his desire for more students to stand up against disruptive behavior and violence, citing examples of destructive protests at other universities.
The display of patriotism at both UNC and Rutgers has sparked a national conversation about the balance between free speech and maintaining a conducive educational environment for all students.
As the movement of patriotic demonstrations gains momentum, universities are faced with the challenge of upholding free speech rights while safeguarding the educational experience for their students.
