Colleges across the U.S. are reporting that some of the anti-Israel protesters that are disrupting or getting arrested at demonstrations, are not even part of the school community.
Ohio State University police arrested nearly 40 people at an anti-Israel encampment. Only 18 of those arrested were students.
University of Texas, Austin officials said that a protest organized by the Palestine Solidarity Committee saw “significant participation by outside groups present on our campus yesterday.”
Nearly half of the people arrested during anti-Israel demonstrations last Wednesday were not affiliated with the university.
Protests like these are causing enrolled students to miss their classes due to the on campus threats and crowds. To protect students that are not participating, some universities have resorted to remote learning and canceling graduation ceremonies.
These decisions cost a lot of money and take away the rights of students to attend their classes and graduations in person.
Should Pro-Palestinian protesters be prevented from protesting in ways that interfere with the rights of students who wish not to be involved?