In recent weeks, leading Democratic figures have been speaking out against the ongoing student pro-Palestinian protests taking place on college campuses across the country. President Joe Biden has denounced the "vandalism" and "violence" that has occurred during these demonstrations, joining other prominent Democrats in their criticism.

The protests originally began at Columbia University in New York before spreading to other campuses, with participants rallying against Israel's actions during the recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Accusations of a genocidal campaign against Palestinians have fueled the fervor behind the movement.

However, the protests have not been without their share of controversy. On Tuesday, the New York Police Department forcibly removed dozens of protesters who had barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, an academic building associated with historic anti-Vietnam war protests in 1968. Reports of vandalism and destruction emerged, further escalating tensions.

Violence also erupted between masked pro-Israeli groups and pro-Palestinian students at the University of California, Los Angeles, prompting hundreds of police officers to intervene and restore order.

The Democratic Party has found itself divided on the issue. Progressive lawmakers have defended the students' right to protest and criticized Israel's actions, while others, like Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, have voiced concerns about potential antisemitism within the protests following reports of violence and threats against Jewish students.

As the situation escalates and police intervention becomes necessary, President Biden and other prominent Democrats, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have strengthened their criticism of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

During a speech at the White House on Thursday, President Biden emphasized the importance of upholding both free speech and the rule of law. He stated, "We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent...but neither are we a lawless country. We are a civil society, and order must prevail."

Similar sentiments were echoed by Senator Schumer, who denounced the destruction of property and the takeover of university buildings as acts of lawlessness. He urged that those responsible face appropriate consequences.

Amidst these developments, Representative Jeffries called for a House vote on the Countering Antisemitism Act, emphasizing the need to address antisemitism in a bipartisan manner. Meanwhile, the House recently passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act with a 320-91 vote, aiming to address reports of rising antisemitism on college campuses during the protests.

The bill advocates for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, with the goal of enforcing anti-discrimination laws.

However, progressive Democrat figures, such as Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, who is of Palestinian descent, continue to support and praise the pro-Palestinian protests. Tlaib called dissent a fundamental American value and expressed admiration for the young people demanding divestment in support of Gaza and condemning the Israeli government.

The Democratic Party finds itself at odds over the student-led protests, with some defending the students' right to demonstrate while others condemn the violence that has detracted from the original cause. As the debates within the party continue, the focus remains on safeguarding free speech while upholding the rule of law.