Alishba Javaid, a student at the University of Texas at Austin, felt like the presence of the state troopers on campus wasn’t real. She was part of a peaceful protest against Israel’s war in Gaza, hoping for the school to divest from companies supplying weapons to Israel. Instead, law enforcement officers started to appear in increasing numbers, causing tension among the protesters. The clashes between police and demonstrators quickly spread online, echoing similar events at other campus protests in the US.
The far-right state government in Texas has made it difficult for protesters, with laws limiting protests against Israel. Governor Greg Abbott has labeled the protests as “hate-filled” and “anti-Semitic”, further complicating the situation. A new law also forced public universities to shut down their diversity, equity, and inclusion offices.
Despite the challenges, students like Hiba Faruqi and Anissa Jaqaman continue to protest for divestment from firms linked to Israeli weapons. The University of Texas system’s investments in companies with ties to Israel have fueled the protests across various campuses in the state. The demonstrations have not been without conflict, with arrests and police crackdowns occurring.
For Jaqaman, the current war in Gaza has intensified her concerns, despite facing challenges in getting public officials to engage with the issue. She continues to wear her keffiyeh scarf as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine, despite fears of potential violence. The youth protesters are deeply affected by the war, causing them to reevaluate their priorities and consider their future paths.
While the political climate in Texas may be challenging, protesters like Javaid feel a sense of duty to keep fighting for justice and making their state better. They acknowledge the difficulties but remain committed to their cause.