Protests over the Israel-Palestine conflict have erupted on college campuses across the United States, with hundreds of protesters being arrested. At Columbia University, the protests have been organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a coalition of more than 100 student groups. CUAD has been advocating for Columbia to divest from companies supporting Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The lead negotiator for CUAD, Mahmoud Khalil, is a Palestinian postgraduate student. Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine, two anti-Zionism advocacy groups with chapters nationwide, are among the lead student groups in the coalition.
Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik was called to testify before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about alleged antisemitism on campus. Shafik authorized New York police to clear the protest encampment on campus, leading to a civil rights complaint against the university. The committee has held several hearings focused on student activity related to the conflict in Gaza. Virginia Foxx, the panel’s chair, criticized Columbia University during a visit, stating that “The inmates are running the asylum.” The committee’s actions have led to the resignation of Harvard University President Claudine Gay and University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill.
Asna Tabassum, a Muslim biomedical engineering student at the University of Southern California, was selected as the valedictorian. After posting a link to a pro-Palestinian page on her Instagram account, the school announced that she would not be allowed to deliver the traditional valedictorian speech due to security risks. Tabassum expressed shock and disappointment at the University’s decision, stating that it was succumbing to a campaign of hate meant to silence her voice. Following student protests, USC announced the cancellation of its main commencement ceremony altogether.
The protests at Columbia University include Muslim and Jewish prayers organized by students at the encampment. Students have given speeches condemning Israel and Zionism while praising Palestinian armed resistance. Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine were suspended by Columbia University in November for violating event rules. The students are suing the school with the help of the New York Civil Liberties Union, arguing that the punishment was disproportionate and that Columbia did not follow its own disciplinary procedures.
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has played a key role in addressing student activity related to the conflict in Gaza. Member Elise Stefanik, a top House Republican, has been involved in the committee’s hearings and events. The committee’s actions have led to controversy, with congressional members resigning from their university positions following criticism of their testimony. The American public is divided over the response of administrators, politicians, faculty, and students to the protests on college campuses in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
