CAMPUS CHAOS: 'SHARP RISE IN FEAR AMONG US STUDENTS OVER PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTS'

NEW DELHI: Following the arrest of over 100 demonstrators at Columbia University last week, student protests concerning the Israel-Hamas war have surged on numerous college campuses. These protests are part of a broader movement where students are demanding that their universities cut ties with companies that support Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and in some cases, with Israel altogether.

The protests have been driven by various student groups, which generally operate independently. However, many students involved express that their actions are influenced by solidarity with peers from other universities.

Recent events highlight the intensity of these protests: At an Ivy League university in New York, pro-Palestinian student protesters established a tent encampment. The initial police attempt to dismantle this encampment on April 18 led to the arrest of more than 100 protesters. Rather than deterring the students, this police action galvanized them, prompting a nationwide wave of support and motivating Columbia protesters to reassemble and continue their demonstrations.

Meanwhile, a research led by a University of Chicago professor, Robert Pape, has unveiled a concerning trend of escalating fear among students across numerous college campuses. This study, which was discussed on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” highlights the growing anxiety felt by students, particularly among Jewish and Muslim populations.

According to a Politico report, professor Pape’s research involved a substantial survey of 5,000 students at hundreds of colleges, revealing that 56% of Jewish students and 52% of Muslim students reported feeling in personal danger. A significant portion of non-Jewish and non-Muslim students, 16%, also expressed feelings of being threatened. The study attributes these fears to direct observations of acts of violence and intimidation on campus, including attacks on Jewish buildings and counterattacks against Muslims.

The timing of the research, conducted between December and January, coincides with heightened tensions following the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and the subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza. This period also precedes a surge of campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen a rise in complaints about intimidating and hateful rhetoric.

Professor Pape, a political science expert with a focus on terrorism, emphasized the need for a balanced approach to reducing campus tensions. He critiqued the prevailing methods of crowd control and political grandstanding, advocating for more thoughtful strategies that consider all sides of the conflicts.

The findings suggest a shift from the historical context of campus protests, such as those in the 1960s associated with civil rights and anti-Vietnam War movements. Pape noted the unique challenges of today's campus climate, which differ significantly from past decades, underscoring the need for contemporary solutions to address these evolving issues.