30 Apr. 24: In a demonstration against Israel’s actions in Gaza, anti-Israeli protesters at Harvard University replaced the American flag with the Palestinian flag, sparking controversy and violating university policy. The incident occurred at the iconic statue of John Harvard, where the US flag is traditionally flown. Video footage captured three students raising the Palestinian flag, while chants of “Free, free Palestine” echoed across the campus.
Harvard University swiftly responded, with spokespersons condemning the actions of the protesters and affirming that they would face disciplinary measures. University staff promptly removed the Palestinian flag, reinstating the customary display of the Stars and Stripes.
Similar protests erupted across various college campuses in the United States, including Columbia University and other Ivy League institutions. Tensions escalated as demonstrators voiced demands for transparency regarding university investments and urged divestment from companies allegedly supporting Israel’s actions.
Incidents of arrests were reported at Northeastern University, Arizona State University, Indiana University, and Washington University in St Louis, where over 200 individuals were detained during confrontations with law enforcement. Despite differing approaches to managing protests, with some universities opting for de-escalation tactics and others employing police intervention, the issue remained contentious nationwide.
At the University of Pennsylvania and the California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, heightened police presence was observed amidst gatherings of protesters and counter-protesters. The clash of ideologies highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within academic institutions across the country.
