Two major universities, UCLA and Harvard, have taken action regarding pro-Palestinian protest encampments on their campuses. UCLA cleaned up the encampment following reports of hostility, while Harvard’s student coalition ended their protest due to campus dynamics and police presence, leading to ongoing discussions on the Middle East conflict.
UCLA and Harvard Universities Address Pro-Palestinian Encampments
May 14, 2024
Two major universities, UCLA and Harvard, have recently seen significant developments concerning pro-Palestinian protest encampments on their campuses.
UCLA Clean-Up
On May 2, UCLA facilities employees dismantled and cleaned up a pro-Palestinian encampment on their campus. The clear-out followed a period of sustained demonstrations. There have been reports of hostility within the camp towards individuals perceived as Zionist, including incidents where wearing a Star of David made individuals suspect among the camp’s guards, requiring them to declare themselves anti-Zionist to alleviate suspicion.
Harvard Protest Decision
At Harvard University, a student coalition known as Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine has decided to end their protest encampment in Harvard Yard, which lasted nearly three weeks. The decision was driven by the dwindling number of active students on campus as the academic year ended and the increased presence of police. Interim President Alan Garber and Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Hopi Hoekstra have planned further discussions with the participants to hear their views on the Middle East conflict. The university will also facilitate the reinstatement of students who were placed on involuntary leave due to their participation in the protests.
For more details, Nick Stoico can be contacted at [email protected].