Despite universities and colleges preparing for summer break and commencement ceremonies, anti-Israel protesters are determined to continue their protests. According to protesters interviewed by Politico, they are committed to protesting even as summer approaches and some anti-Israel encampments on university campuses have been cleared. They believe that nothing will deter them from protesting as the conflict between Israel and Hamas persists.
Pro-Palestinian protests and encampments have emerged on college and university campuses nationwide in support of an initial encampment started at Columbia University. While the initial encampment at Columbia University was removed, a second one was established and remained until a raid by the New York Police Department on April 30.
In response to the protests, several universities have been clearing and policing anti-Israel encampments on their campuses. Protesters have also been interrupting university commencement ceremonies, including at the University of Michigan, where protesters disrupted ceremonies carrying Palestinian flags and signs advocating for Palestine.
One protester at the University of Michigan stated that the protests would not slow down and emphasized the pressure on politicians to respond to the situation in Palestine. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to reports of famine in northern Gaza, further fueling the activism.
Despite the upcoming summer term with fewer students on campuses, university presidents and chancellors do not believe that the protests are over. They acknowledge that the demonstrations might continue even during the summer and remain vigilant.
