Protests, rallies, sit-ins, marches, and disruptions have been a part of American history since the early days of the nation. Today, these forms of activism can still be seen and heard on college campuses across the country. Recently, protest camps have emerged in response to Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, with pro-Palestinian demonstrators urging universities to sever ties with Israel and companies supporting the conflict.
President Joe Biden acknowledges the importance of dissent in a democracy, but also emphasizes the need to maintain order. Administrators facing pressure to quell disruptions near graduation ceremonies support the right to free speech but not at the expense of causing disturbances for other students or violating conduct rules. Police have been called in to dismantle protest encampments nationwide, resulting in over 2,300 arrests.
While the right to protest is protected by the Constitution, dissenting actions can evoke mixed reactions from the public. Professor Robert Shapiro, an expert on US politics, notes that protests like Occupy Wall Street in 2011 have successfully drawn attention to issues like economic inequality, leading to shifts in public opinion.
Overall, protests have the power to bring about change by raising awareness and importance of pressing issues, even if they are met with opposition and controversy.