More than 2,000 people have been arrested at colleges and universities since April 18 as a growing wave of pro-Palestinian campus protests spreads across not only the US but around the world.
During the weeks of demonstrations, protesters have mainly called for schools to divest from companies that support Israel and the war in Gaza. The college protests, which captured global attention in recent days, have rippled on campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Clashes and standoffs with police, and some counterprotesters, unfolded at Columbia University, Portland State and UCLA, as school officials and police continue large crackdowns on protesters. Nearly 200 people were arrested on May 1, after April 30 saw the largest number of arrests in a day since protests began with nearly 400 arrests, according to a CNN review.
President Joe Biden has delivered his most extensive remarks on the unrest. He drew a line between what he called peaceful and violent protests, repeated his support for Israel and dismissed calls for the National Guard to intervene.
While some colleges have either canceled or modified graduation ceremonies, others including universities across Florida are moving forward with commencement this weekend.
Here are the latest developments:
Biden administration weighs in: After President Joe Biden addressed the issue head-on Thursday, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona sent a letter Friday to college and university presidents condemning “abhorrent” incidents of antisemitism on campus and offering schools available resources.
Florida universities: Universities across Florida are preparing for weekend commencement celebrations, which kick off Friday, after the State University System of Florida’s chancellor commended school presidents on their handling of a “difficult academic year” to keep Jewish students and faculty safe and noting that protests during the ceremonies will “not be tolerated.”
New York University: The New York City Police Department (NYPD) said it cleared at encampment at New York University (NYU) early Friday morning, following a request from the school. Nearby, the New School also requested assistance from NYPD to disperse the “illegal encampments” inside their university center building and residence hall, an NYPD statement said.
Portland State University: At least 30 people were arrested Thursday at the school, where law enforcement was working to clear a library that had been occupied by protesters since Monday, according to authorities. A man also drove his car toward a group of protesters on Thursday, stopping just short of the crowd and spraying them with “some kind of pepper spray,” police said.
Students in Paris: Students from universities across Paris are expected to rally Friday in support of Palestinian people in Gaza. Dozens of students started a sit-in inside Paris’ Sciences Po late Thursday, prompting the university to close its Paris campus Friday, according to a school spokesman.