Recent attempts to address student demonstrations in the United States have resulted in unexpected consequences. Elisha “Lishi” Baker, a student at Columbia University, initially chose the prestigious Ivy League institution for its Middle Eastern History program. However, following the Hamas attacks on Israel, the campus atmosphere shifted dramatically, with protests and undertones of antisemitism becoming more prevalent. University leaders are grappling with the challenge of balancing free speech and managing pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with some adopting stricter measures that may be excessive. The recent police intervention at Columbia University, resulting in the arrest of over a hundred students, has sparked further unrest and criticism, with questions raised about the necessity of such actions. The situation remains tense, with new protests emerging in response to the crackdown.
2024-04-23 14:52:39
Source: www.economist.com