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What Next: The New Rules of Campus Protest
Sep 24, 2024
Sophie Hurwitz, a politics and social movements reporter at Mother Jones, joins Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, to discuss the evolving nature of campus protests. They explore how universities are balancing the regulation of protests with the principles of free speech. Hurwitz and Roth dive into the implications of new policies that might confuse students. They also highlight recent protests at Wesleyan regarding divestment and the critical role of youth activism ahead of the 2024 elections.
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Quick takeaways
- Universities are increasingly implementing restrictive protest policies and security measures, raising concerns about free speech and potential police overreach.
- Wesleyan University's president advocates for a progressive approach to protests, encouraging peaceful activism and fostering political dialogue among students.
Deep dives
Increased Campus Security Measures
Recent discussions among university boards have led to increasing the presence of security measures on campuses, particularly regarding the use of military-grade equipment. Universities like the University of California system have requested approval for non-lethal weapons and drones, under the premise they are not intended for crowd control. However, this has prompted concern from students and faculty, highlighting a potential shift in how universities respond to protests and unrest. Critics argue that such measures could escalate tensions between student protesters and law enforcement.
