It has been a tense time for many students on college campuses across America.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have disrupted classes and graduations at an increasing number. Jewish and Pro-Israel students and staff report harassment and intimidation from activists who have taken over parts of campuses across the country.
Israel faced devastating losses during the October 7 attacks, when Hamas launched an unprovoked war, killing almost 1,200 people. This barbaric international terrorist group killed, raped, tortured, kidnapped, and even murdered innocent babies.
Israel responded by going into Gaza in search of the hostages and the Hamas terrorists. Gaza is home to many Palestinians who are suffering at the hands of Hamas and the Israeli army, who are still searching for hostages and terrorists who committed these war crimes on October 7.
As this war continues in Gaza, pro-Palestinian students and agitators have set up protests on campuses. Some have turned into acts of violence on college campuses, including engaging in deplorable acts of anti-semitism. Now they’re even setting up illegal pro-Palestine tent encampments on campus, reminiscent of the Defund Wall Street encampments from a few years ago.
Most notably, violent clashes have broken out at Columbia University after pro-Palestinian protesters occupied an academic building, Hamilton Hall, and barricaded themselves inside, disrupting other students’ ability to learn.
The protests at Columbia University became so violent that the university was forced to call for the NYPD to disperse the protestors and bring order back to their campus, which resulted in the arrests of 112 people, 32 of whom were not even affiliated with the school! This protest motivated other activists around the country to cause similar violence and chaos among college campuses across the country.
Recently, Johns Hopkins University has been in turmoil as pro-Palestinian protestors have established a tent encampment. This group continues to mask and hide their identities, disturb student learning, and refuse to leave until their demands are met.
So, what are these demands?
The demands are to divest, disclose, boycott, demilitarize and denounce Israel. Meanwhile, these groups have still not condemned the horrific attack on Israeli civilians. The group also demanded the total “demilitarization” of Johns Hopkins, including the Johns Hopkins Police Department. They have a funny way of making their case for less law enforcement.
If anything, the presence of these encampments reinforces why we need a police presence on college campuses. Who will bring order back so our young people can get back to learning in a safe environment and so that Jewish and pro-Israel students and staff can feel they are safe on campus?
These demands are ridiculous and anti-Semitic, and universities can not deliver most of their ultimatums.
Campuses around the country should follow Florida’s model. Florida published clear guidelines for students. Freedom of speech, protest, and assembly are honored and protected for all students.
Trespassing, camping, acts of violence, and disruption will face suspension, expulsion, and prosecution. It was clear that if you try to commandeer property or set up encampments, you will be swiftly arrested and expelled.
At the University of South Florida, ten pro-Hamas protestors were detained immediately after showing up with several items, such as wooden shields, umbrellas, and tents, which were assumed to be used to start an encampment on campus.
It is this type of model that Maryland should follow if we want to ensure safety for everyone on our college campuses. The school administration should not cater to the ridiculous demands of violent extremists and should instead protect all students who pay an incredible amount of money to get a quality education.
Hate crimes against Jewish students on campuses have risen dramatically. It’s not surprising and must be stopped.
It is too bad that student activists across the country are not protesting for the immediate release of the hostages. Many of these protestors disregard the terrible atrocities that Hamas has committed and continue to commit, like using civilians as human shields and commandeering aid for the people in Gaza.
Recently, some pro-Israel and pro-USA rallies have broken out on some campuses in response to the pro-Palestinian groups.
We will always stand strong and protect the freedom of speech and the right to assemble peacefully. When a protest turns violent and is no longer peaceful, or disrupts other students’ ability to learn or attend a graduation, that protest must be stopped. America was founded on the bedrock principle of freedom of speech.
Still, we will condemn anyone or organization that attempts to use this principle to incite violence on our college campuses or anywhere else.
The views expressed in this column reflect the opinions and research of the authors and not necessarily those of The Avenue’s editorial staff.
”Now You Know” is a weekly column written by state delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga.
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