Pro-Palestinian activists who disrupted campuses nationwide are planning to return for the new academic year. Despite over 2,000 arrests, they are considering various protest methods, aiming to push their schools to cut ties with Israel and address other demands.
Mahmoud Khalil, a student representative for Columbia University Apartheid Divest, said, “Students will keep their activism alive through traditional and non-traditional means. We’ve been planning all summer to pressure Columbia to make the right decision.”
Students are heading back to class after a tumultuous end to the last academic year, which saw protests against the Gaza war, interruptions to graduation ceremonies, and numerous suspensions. The conflict in Gaza has worsened, with many casualties and no end in sight.
Zainab Chaudry, director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Maryland, noted that students are still discussing how to advocate for Palestinian rights and raise awareness about the situation in Gaza. Some have already started planning for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students are demanding their schools divest from companies linked to Israel and issue statements condemning its actions in Gaza. However, many schools, including Harvard, have decided not to take political stances, and some have tightened rules against campus protests.
Chaudry pointed out that students will face challenges in raising awareness under these new policies and must decide how far they are willing to push their advocacy.
Some activists are still dealing with consequences from last year’s actions, with several students suspended and awaiting university hearings. Despite this, students are determined to keep the Palestinian cause visible on their campuses.
Khalil mentioned that while encampments are now a core strategy, protests will continue. They also plan to educate students about Palestine.
Some universities, like Brown and Northwestern, have agreed to consider divestment from Israel based on last year’s protests, which may influence future actions.
Chaudry believes these successes could inspire more students to continue their efforts. “Students have significant power on college campuses,” she said.