Nearly 50 professors at the University of Virginia criticized the school for its handling of a peaceful protest by students in support of Palestine. The professors, along with faculty at other universities such as the University of Chicago, Emory University, and Columbia University, have expressed support for the student protesters, despite opposition from university leaders.
The history professors at UVA circulated an open letter condemning the police’s use of force, including pepper spray and physical aggression, to remove the encampment and arrest 25 protesters. The professors mentioned the university’s historical ties to Founding Fathers like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, emphasizing the principles of free expression and inquiry that the institution upholds.
While UVA’s President Jim Ryan defended the use of force, the faculty members dismissed his statement as lacking transparency and accused the school of escalating tensions and violence. Jonathan Butcher of the Heritage Foundation acknowledged the importance of free speech but stated that violence and property damage cannot be justified under the guise of free speech.
Similarly, faculty members at the University of Chicago have stood in solidarity with occupying protesters on campus and expressed readiness to be arrested alongside them. University negotiations with the protesters faltered, leading President Paul Alivisatos to intervene and call for an end to the encampment.
In late April, Emory University professors staged a walkout in support of student protesters, while faculty at Columbia University linked arms in solidarity with encampment protesters facing suspension. These actions highlight the ongoing support for student activism and free expression on college campuses.
