Consider This from NPR For weeks students have protested the war in Gaza — now things are escalating
May 1, 2024
Juliette Kayyem, a Belfer Senior Lecturer at Harvard and former Homeland Security Advisor, discusses the surge of pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses. She highlights the emotional strain on students during exams, particularly at Columbia University, where police interventions have sparked debates about activism and free speech. Kayyem emphasizes the complexities of how universities manage these movements against the backdrop of U.S. foreign policy, urging a balance between lawful expression and maintaining campus order.
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Columbia University Protest
- Pro-Palestinian protests escalated at Columbia University, leading to an administration building occupation.
- NYPD officers intervened, arresting dozens and using a tactical vehicle to breach the building.
De-escalation Strategies
- Colleges must provide outlets for student protest and avoid silencing entire viewpoints.
- Implement tiered de-escalation approaches before resorting to police intervention.
Brown University's Approach
- Brown University successfully de-escalated protests by agreeing to discuss and vote on student divestment plans.
- This approach contrasts with other universities' responses, highlighting the importance of listening to student concerns.
