Colleges across the U.S. are reporting that many of the anti-Israel protesters participating in demonstrations and getting arrested at these events are not actually part of the school community, but rather, outsiders. At Emory University in Atlanta, 28 people were arrested during a demonstration, with only 20 of them being members of the school community. The protesters arrived on campus, ignored police officers, and set up tents in an area designated for a commencement ceremony. The situation escalated, with officers from multiple police agencies dispersing the crowd and making arrests for trespassing.
George Washington University also confirmed that anti-Israel protests included outsiders not affiliated with the school, leading the university to take steps to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the University Yard. At Ohio State University, nearly 40 people were arrested after police broke up an anti-Israel encampment, with only 18 of those arrested being students. The University of Texas, Austin campus reported that nearly half of those arrested during anti-Israel demonstrations were not affiliated with the university, indicating a significant presence of outside groups on campus.
Protests at Northeastern University in Boston were infiltrated by outside agitators, leading to the unauthorized encampment being cleared by police. The use of antisemitic slurs during the protest prompted university officials to take action against hate speech on campus. Columbia University in New York City also experienced protests with anti-Jewish slogans and chants, leading the university’s president to address the influence of outsiders on the community. Students and faculty expressed concerns for their safety, prompting additional security measures on campus.
Despite the influence of outsiders at various universities, some institutions have not publicly commented on the issue. The New York City Police Department has acknowledged the presence of outside agitators, particularly at Columbia University, where what started as a peaceful protest by students has been hijacked by individuals with their own agendas. The NYPD stated that professional protesters who spew hate and antisemitism are a regular presence at demonstrations in the city. While the NYPD supports the right to peacefully protest, they are ready to address any issues at Columbia University if allowed by the university president.
Overall, the presence of outsiders participating in anti-Israel protests at college campuses across the U.S. has led to tensions within the school communities. The actions of these individuals have sparked concerns about safety, hate speech, and the disruption of academic activities. University officials are taking steps to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing campus property and address instances of hate speech and violence. The influence of outsiders at protests highlights the need for increased security measures and the protection of free speech while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the school community.
