New student protest policies in place at US colleges

Universities are implementing stricter rules on student activities on campuses this academic year as they gear up to face renewed activism related to the Gaza conflict, particularly pro-Palestinian protests.

Schools like the University of Denver, Indiana and Harvard University are implementing policies to limit demonstrations, including banning protest tents and requiring approval for using bullhorns or sidewalk chalk.

Administrators hope these rules will reduce campus tensions, avoid police involvement, and protect their schools’ reputations.

However, student activists are not backing down. They are organizing protests, attending virtual protest training, and preparing for a busy fall of activism, reports the Wall Street Journal. 

Additionally, some universities face backlash from free-speech advocates and students who feel these new rules are reactionary. At Indiana University, the new policies have sparked protests, while at Columbia University, President Minouche Shafik recently resigned amidst criticism of her handling of demonstrations.

Tensions on US campuses have been high since last October, following a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel. The resulting protests have led to clashes with police and disciplinary actions against students. Five leaders of Ivy League campuses have either stepped down or retired in the past year due to their controversial responses to the protests.