Protest encampments have been established on more than 80 campuses across the United States over the Israel-Gaza war, with tensions escalating after police moved in to clear demonstrators. The White House has weighed in, with President Joe Biden stating that dissent is essential for democracy but must not lead to disorder. The remarks came after more than 100 arrests at UCLA on Thursday and hundreds more across the country.
The movement began at Columbia University in New York on 17 April, where students pitched tents in support of Palestinians. Police arrested over 100 people a day later, prompting protesters to regroup. On Tuesday night, hundreds of police entered the campus at the request of the university president after protesters occupied an academic building. The Manhattan district attorney reported 282 arrests at Columbia and the City University of New York.
At the University of California, Los Angeles, police cleared an encampment in a late-night operation early on Thursday, arresting at least 132 people. The raid followed some of the worst violence seen during the protests, when counter-protesters attacked the encampment on Tuesday night. Fifteen people were injured, including one hospitalised, and reports indicated that security guards and law enforcement initially failed to intervene. California Governor Gavin Newsom called the violence unacceptable, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for a full investigation.
Emory University in Atlanta faced scrutiny last week after students set up an encampment that police cleared within hours. Faculty members were arrested, including philosophy department chair Noëlle McAfee and economics professor Caroline Fohlin, who was charged with battery against a police officer. Police used teargas and batons to disperse the crowd. At least 28 individuals were arrested. The university is now under federal investigation for anti-Muslim discrimination, with students reporting being doxxed and called terrorists.
In Washington DC, students pitched tents at George Washington University’s University Yard over a week ago. The encampment is overseen by DC Metropolitan police and remains in place. Nearby House Republicans, including Representative Lauren Boebert, have visited to agitate the crowd. The exact number of arrests nationwide is unclear but is believed to exceed 1,300 since the protests escalated two weeks ago.
