On Wednesday, several U.S. universities experienced significant disruptions as anti-Israel protesters clashed with authorities and fellow students. The University of Southern California (USC), Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), and Columbia University in New York City were among the campuses where tensions ran high.
At USC, chaos unfolded as law enforcement intervened to address unlawful activities, resulting in the arrest of protesters. Confrontations between hundreds of students and USC Department of Public Safety officers escalated, with some protesters falling on the sidewalk amidst the commotion.
UT Austin witnessed over 100 demonstrators flooding the South Lawn, attempting to set up tents before being met by police. More than 20 individuals were arrested, with protesters chanting incendiary slogans.
Harvard saw the establishment of a 'Gaza solidarity encampment' at Harvard Yard, with protesters swiftly setting up tents in a frenzied manner. While some tents remained on campus, the initial crowd dispersed by nightfall.
Meanwhile, Columbia University continued to be a focal point for anti-Israel protests, drawing Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to address the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Johnson criticized school administrators for allowing what he described as threats and intimidation to overshadow principles of free speech and exchange of ideas.
In response to the escalating tensions, Johnson expressed intentions to discuss potential National Guard intervention with President Biden, emphasizing the need to curb hatred and antisemitism on campuses.
Notably, top-ranked universities such as Princeton, MIT, Stanford, and Yale have also witnessed anti-Israel sentiment in recent days, with more than half of the top 50 U.S. universities experiencing active protests against Israel.
