US campus crackdowns lead to over 200 arrests amid pro-Palestine protests
These events, unfolding against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, underscore the challenges faced by universities nationwide as they grapple with the increasingly visible demonstrations and encampments on their campuses.
Since April 18th, when Columbia University in New York City saw the New York Police Department dismantle a protest encampment, over 700 protesters have been arrested across US campuses. Among the recent wave of arrests, one notable figure stands out: Jill Stein, the Green Party's 2024 presidential candidate, alongside her campaign manager and another staff member, were apprehended at Washington University in St Louis, according to NYT.
At Northeastern University in Boston, the scene unfolded early Saturday morning as Massachusetts State Police officers moved in to dismantle an encampment on the campus's Centennial Common. The encampment, which had drawn over 100 supporters, faced repeated requests from the university administration to vacate the area. Despite these calls, many students remained steadfast.
The Northeastern spokeswoman, Renata Nyul, expressed concerns over the encampment, alleging that it had been «infiltrated by professional organisers» and decrying the use of «virulent antisemitic slurs.» However, protesters vehemently denied these claims, pointing to a video that suggested it was a pro-Israel counterprotester who had used offensive language.
As tensions escalated, the
