Students across the globe have been protesting the Israel-Hamas conflict and demanding that their schools sever ties with companies supporting Israeli military operations. They’ve organized sit-ins, rallied, and set up encampments to make their voices heard. Some hope these demonstrations can spur real change, while others worry they’ll make campuses more divided and drown out different voices.
Almost all colleges promise students the right to free speech, and most public universities are required by law to honor constitutional rights (although private institutions with religious or military-related missions sometimes prioritize other values over free expression). Check FIRE’s Spotlight Database to see your school’s policies on demonstrations.
Many student protesters say their participation in the movement has impacted their learning. For example, P1 says that although they knew the risks of participating in a protest and were aware of potential consequences, it was difficult to concentrate on their studies during the event because they were “preoccupied with everything that was going on.”
The same goes for P2, who notes that her engagement in student activism has taught her about constructing clear narratives to inform the public. She also says that her participation in the movement has helped her develop a sense of political awareness and the ability to think critically. But other respondents note that protesting can be a stressful and exhausting experience, leading to physical or psychological problems. In some cases, students have been arrested or their property has been damaged during protests.