Tensions are escalating on college campuses across the United States as pro-Palestinian protests gain momentum following the recent wave of demonstrations at New York-area schools. These protests, which have led to numerous arrests, are now spreading from coast to coast, with students at over a dozen universities joining the movement.

The protesters are calling for an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and demanding that their universities divest from companies that support or profit from it, as well as businesses involved in trade with Israel. These demonstrations mark the latest wave of activism since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and ongoing conflicts.

Recent polling by the Pew Research Center reveals that college-age Americans are more likely to sympathize with Palestinians than Israelis. Consequently, the Israel-Hamas war has become a major point of contention on college campuses, presenting a challenge for universities as they navigate the delicate balance between protecting free speech rights and ensuring student safety, particularly amid rising concerns of antisemitism and Islamophobia.

President Biden, commenting on the protests during the Jewish holiday of Passover, condemned the antisemitic nature of some demonstrations while also acknowledging the need for a comprehensive understanding of the Palestinian situation.

At Yale University, nearly 50 protesters were arrested on Monday morning, followed by Columbia University, which shifted classes online due to rising tensions and further demonstrations, extending the remote learning format through the end of the semester.

In New York City, police cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at New York University's Gould Plaza after demonstrators refused to leave. The university stated that it closed the plaza to prevent unauthorized individuals from joining the protest and highlighted reports of disorderly behavior, intimidation, and incidents of antisemitism.

Similar scenes unfolded at California State Polytechnic University, where students occupied an academic building, barricading the entrance with furniture. Concerns over student safety prompted the closure of the campus, with in-person classes transitioning to remote learning.

The movement is not limited to these individual incidents, as pro-Palestinian student groups in various states have organized their own protests to express solidarity with Columbia University. Students at Northwestern University, Ohio State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Temple University, Princeton University, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the University of Minnesota, the University of Pittsburgh, Stanford University, and several Boston-area schools have held walkouts and rallies in support.

However, the demonstrations have also raised questions about the responsibility of universities to ensure student safety while preserving freedom of expression. While some pro-Palestinian activists clarify that they protest Israel rather than Jews and include Jewish students among their ranks, reports of antisemitic rhetoric and harassment on campuses have left other Jewish students feeling unsafe.

Instances of demonstrators expressing support for Hamas and engaging in antisemitic behavior have been tracked by the Anti-Defamation League. The situation reached a boiling point at Columbia University, where a university-affiliated rabbi advised Jewish students to leave for their own safety. Mayor Eric Adams and the White House both condemned incidents of antisemitism and hate speech.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik is facing criticism for her response to the protests. Calls for her resignation from New York Republicans led by Rep. Elise Stefanik parallel the resignation of presidents at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania after controversial Congressional testimonies. Some critics accuse Shafik of violating academic freedom and students' rights by involving the police.

As tensions persist, universities face the challenge of safeguarding peaceful protests while also addressing any instances of violence that may arise. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has called on universities to protect peaceful demonstrations while swiftly addressing any violence. However, the complex nature of the current climate poses significant challenges for universities to navigate.

The ongoing protests underscore the broader debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlight the challenges faced by universities in handling expressions of free speech while ensuring student safety and fostering respectful dialogue. The situation also highlights the urgency for open discussions on campus to address these issues and find a path forward.