In the first amendment of the Constitution, free speech and religion are listed among the five guaranteed freedoms of Americans. While each individual is entitled to these freedoms, they are becoming increasingly threatened by conflict domestically and overseas. Having experienced wars, protests, genocides, and corrupt political polarization, it is time that the world realizes condemning the use of violence to suppress free speech is never acceptable. The safety of university students has been put into question as a result of pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionism protests dominating college campuses across the country, leading to violent pushback against pro- Palestinian protesters and an increase in anti-Semitic sentiment.
According to the New York Times, Pro- Palestinian demonstrators argue that Israelis committing genocide against the Palestinian people, and they have committed to keep a spotlight on the suffering. Jewish students who support Israel claim that military action is necessary for the state to defend itself against Hamas. Many such students say that pro-Palestinian protests have made them afraid to walk freely on their campuses.
The polarization of the media and lack of clear information about what it is these protests are trying to accomplish, combined with the ambiguity of those truly leading and participating in them, has had many negative repercussions. These protests have created a stronger divide among the younger generations of the US over Israel and Palestine, disrupted learning environments and commencement ceremonies, and created unsafe environments for those involved and uninvolved.
Locally, the University of Southern California (USC) faced an uproar of criticism after the university canceled its commencement speeches, stating that there would be “many such students say that pro-Palestinian protests have made them afraid to walk freely on their campuses.” No outside speakers or honorees at the main stage commencement event, according toNBC News. This decision posed the question: At what point do we draw the line between protecting free speech and protecting the safety of university affiliated populations unrelated to these protests?
According to EdSource, after USC first announced valedictorian Asna Tabassum as a speaker, a number of pro-Israel groups, both on and off the campus, criticized the decision, with some attacking Tabassum over a link in her Instagram bio that leads to a webpage that says “learn about what’s happening in Palestine, and how to help.”
Free speech advocates have criticized USC for canceling the speech, suggesting there was prejudice behind USC’s decision. Alex Morey, the director of campus rights advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), wrote in a blog post that there is “no sense that USC actually received any threats or took any steps to secure the event short of canceling it.” USC Provost Andrew Guzman also said in a statement that there is “no free-speech entitlement to speak at a commencement” and that the decision to cancel the speech “has nothing to do with freedom of speech.”
As a leading private research university, USC must not only uphold the integrity of its mission, but also the well-being of students, faculty, and alumni regardless of background. There are many non-USC affiliated individuals who contributed to the fear of non-participators and encouraged vandalism and trespassing as a justification for “free speech.” Violence should simply not be justified or negotiated, regardless of the issue at hand. When defining free speech during protests, students should always be entitled to peaceful expression. But, if the conflict at hand pertains to an off-campus conflict, and the amount of destruction that has characterized recent demonstrations is led by non-USC students, this is when the circumstances can no longer be considered protesting.
Local Impact on Universities
University of California Los Angeles: With the Pro-Palestinian encampments set up on April 25, 3 days
later controversy arose. April 28, the first violent mob attacked this encampment and only some police officers were present. Beginning on May 1, police were stationed on the campus.
University of Southern California: Encampments spread around campus starting around April 23.
The police intervened and completely shut down the protest onMay 5. The police threatened to arrest those who didn’t cooperate.
University of California Irvine: Tensions increased as of May 15 after hundreds of pro-Palestinian gathered on the campus. On May 16, police arrested 47 protestors.
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