University administrators and law enforcement are cracking down on campus protests over Israel’s war in Gaza, invoking the trope of the 'outside agitator.' Recent incidents include the New York Police Department arresting over a hundred people at Columbia University and New York University, with officials citing disruptions by 'outside agitators.'
Authorities have not provided specifics on who these agitators are or how they are differentiating them from university-affiliated protesters. Scholars warn that the 'outside agitator' accusation is often used to undermine protests rather than address the grievances driving them.
Historically, the narrative of 'outside agitators' has been used to discredit social movements, such as during the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter protests. The term has resurfaced during recent campus demonstrations, diverting attention from the core issue of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
While some Jewish students have reported threats and antisemitic rhetoric at protests, supporters of free expression caution against using 'outside agitators' to discredit peaceful demonstrations. Lawmakers like Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Hank Johnson have expressed concerns about misinformation undermining the protests.
Despite the complexity surrounding the term, the primary focus of these protests is specific demands, including calls for universities to divest from companies linked to Israel or support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The presence of outside participants at some protests has raised questions about their motivations and impact on the movement.
University administrators and law enforcement using the presence of outsiders to suppress protests may inadvertently strengthen the movement by generating more support and larger demonstrations. Recent actions by administrators have led to mobilization at various colleges and universities, indicating a growing response to repression.
