Democracy is criminalised on campuses in the US -Abu Tahir Mustakim

Young people, Generation Z and Millennials in particular, are closely following the Israel-Hamas war through social media channels. Students in prominent protest movements like Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, and the Parkland, Florida, gun control campaign have significantly shaped these generations.

Many demonstrators and voters are deeply troubled by more than just a typical foreign policy issue. They perceive the situation as a genocide, which they believe an American president they previously backed is facilitating. They feel a personal connection to the conflict as the death toll continues to mount without a clear resolution in sight. For them, this is not merely a political matter but a moral imperative, and their stance on the issue is steadfast.

Witnessing a lifeless child in a mother’s embrace, observing hungry civilians seeking shelter amidst gunfire, and viewing the aftermath of an attack on a convoy of food aid trucks resulting in the loss of aid workers’ lives is undeniably distressing. Television screens and mobile devices have exposed many individuals, especially university students, to these harrowing scenes.

Several US universities are now abuzz with pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests. These protests call for a boycott of Israeli companies and individuals. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing about 1200 Israelis. As a result, the Israeli attack on Gaza has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians. In this context, tension in American universities is gradually increasing.

Several university administrations in the United States attempted to quash the protests but were unsuccessful. In some instances, law enforcement responded with excessive force and has so far arrested 2200 people, attempting to suppress the demonstrations through violent means. Videos circulating on social media platforms depict instances of police brutality at universities across several states. Many individuals have voiced concerns that the police failed to manage the situation peacefully. These videos capture scenes where thousands of students and even teachers faced brutal treatment from law enforcement officers, with reports of arbitrary detentions and the use of disproportionate force.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protest initiatives have emerged in various countries beyond the United States. Similar demonstrations are underway in numerous educational institutions across Europe and Australia. For instance, protesters in Berlin have erected tents outside the parliament, urging the government to halt arms exports to Israel. In Paris, demonstrators blocked the central campus of Sciences Po University, compelling the administration to transition to online classes. Slogans advocating for “Free Palestine” and “Boycott Israel” echoed throughout the streets of Sweden. Additionally, thousands gathered in central London to express solidarity with Palestine.

Student protests on US university campuses concerning the Gaza conflict have underscored a significant generational gap among US residents regarding support for Israel. The youth are striving to amplify the movement nationwide, aiming to confront US politicians and university authorities regarding this matter. Analysts agree that the younger generation plays a critical role in challenging prevailing views on Israel within the country.

Analysts contend that the current younger generation of Americans exhibits a heightened level of sympathy for the Palestinian cause compared to previous cohorts. This disparity in viewpoints poses a potential challenge to Joe Biden’s prospects of securing reelection. Moreover, the divergence of opinion between newer and older generations represents a concern for Israel, a key ally of the United States. Historically, Israel has garnered support from both Republicans and Democrats in Washington, making this shift in generational sentiment noteworthy in terms of diplomatic relations and political dynamics.

The primary demands of the protesting students revolve around urging university authorities to refrain from investing in and receiving funds from companies involved in manufacturing weapons supplied to Israel, as well as those linked to the Israeli army. Despite this, leaders of major US political parties, along with the White House and pro-Israel factions, have accused the students of fueling anti-Semitism. Nevertheless, it’s noteworthy that many Jewish individuals joined the protests, vehemently refuting these accusations.

Throughout US history, significant shifts in public opinion have often followed major student protests. The current campus protests have the potential to catalyse political change in the nation. There’s a prevailing notion that this movement could shape the future trajectory of the country.

Recent polls in the United States suggest that the younger generation may harbour more sympathy for Palestinians and exhibit greater criticism of Israel. Overall, attitudes regarding Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, notably amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, have intensified among Americans. Multiple opinion surveys indicate a substantial majority of polled Americans support a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the ongoing atrocities, President Biden remains steadfast in his support for Israel. However, this unwavering stance could carry political consequences for the 81-year-old president, especially with the looming potential challenge from former President Donald Trump in the upcoming reelection race next November. Poll results indicate that President Biden must maintain the support of the Democratic Party’s base to secure victory. Yet, unity among Democrats on backing Israel is not as firm as it is among Republicans.

Meanwhile, student activists refrain from engaging in partisan politics in the United States. Instead, they adamantly advocate for the protection of Palestinian human rights. The crucial question arises: can these protesters effect change in US foreign policy and ensure the country remains “separated from genocide”? Analysts suggest that while US universities may not divest from major institutions and the defense sector supporting Israel anytime soon, the demand for transparency in investment decisions within these institutions is indeed logical.

Student protests in the United States in solidarity with Palestinians commenced at Columbia University and have since spread to 40 other prominent universities across the nation. Through these demonstrations, American students advocating for the separation of financial and moral ties with Zionists assert that they stand on the right side of history.

It’s noteworthy that the participants in the Columbia University protest do not reflect the demographics of the average American middle class. A significant portion of these protesters hail from influential backgrounds, being the offspring of US senators, affluent individuals, and high-society families. Many of them maintain strong connections to the powerful Zionist lobby in the US. Support from these elite circles is crucial for most politicians to retain influence in US politics.

The demands of students protesting against the various actions of the Zionist regime and the US government’s support for them vary from university to university. However, the primary demands include:

We need to stop doing business with military arms manufacturers who provide weapons to Zionists.
Stop accepting research funding from Zionists for projects that support the Zionist regime’s military efforts.
Avoid investing in university endowments with directors who profit from Zionist companies or contractors.
Explain the purpose of receiving funds from Zionists.

Several observations have emerged regarding the pro-Palestinian protests at American universities:

Raising awareness among young Americans: Compared to older generations, young Americans are significantly more aware of global crises and issues. Generation Z students, who grew up in an era of collective action like Black Lives Matter, climate change, and gun safety, are now forming broad coalitions in support of Palestinian freedom. This poses a challenge to America’s statesmen, leading to the enactment of new laws and the arrest of students to suppress their activism.

Reliance on social media: For generations, the Zionists have been perpetrating atrocities against Palestinians without justification. While mainstream media attempted to justify Israeli actions, alternative social media platforms exposed the harsh reality to the youth. The Gaza war has laid bare the unprecedented brutality of the Zionists to the world. Images of small children awaiting food aid, shot dead by Zionist forces, and scenes of weeping mothers and charred corpses of starving people have evoked profound emotions among conscientious individuals globally.

Declaration of student-teacher solidarity: The decision to expel or suspend students has had a detrimental impact on university campuses. Hundreds of faculty members at American universities have voiced their support for the student movement, stating their refusal to endorse suspensions. Last week, the American Association of University Professors issued a statement condemning the students’ suspensions and arrests, expressing a loss of confidence in the president and the government. They declared their commitment to reclaiming their university.

US politicians sided with the Zionists. US President Joe Biden and other American officials staunchly support Zionism. Biden has publicly declared himself a staunch Zionist supporter. Despite mounting pressure, he took no action to halt the brutal Zionist war against Palestinians. Instead, Biden issued a statement cautioning against the rise of anti-Semitism.

Zionist lobbying persists. While hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters have encountered legal action and threats from authorities, a small number of Zionist demonstrators entered university campuses brandishing the flag of an Israeli army unit, chanting “Israel has won.” Many masked individuals attacked the protesters, and the police joined them, claiming higher authorities had authorized their actions.

Demands from university campuses: US officials attempt to portray protesting students as disorganized youth without a clear objective. However, the reality is that protesters at American universities have articulated their demands clearly. They seek accountability from university administrators, whom they accuse of complicity in Israel’s war crimes by failing to cease investments in companies supporting the conflict. According to the United Nations, a number of American universities have allocated surplus funds to Zionist companies involved in the Gaza war. A visitor who attended MIT in the early 2000s noted a shift, highlighting that while it was once acceptable for universities to align with defense technology industries, today’s generation rejects this notion. They assert the power of collective action, emphasizing that siding against a national student movement places one on the wrong side of history.