Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) recently made comparisons between current law enforcement responses on university campuses and the tragic National Guard shooting at Kent State University. This year marked the 54th anniversary of the incident at Kent State, where National Guardsmen fired on unarmed students protesting the bombing of Cambodia, resulting in four fatalities and nine injuries. In contrast, recent clashes at campuses related to pro-Palestinian causes have not resulted in reported injuries or deaths.
Omar emphasized the importance of allowing students to express dissent and protest systemic injustices, highlighting the need to protect the rights of free speech and assembly. Bush echoed this sentiment, calling for the preservation of these fundamental rights and expressing solidarity with students across the country.
Various activists, including Nina Turner and Maya Wiley, also joined the conversation, urging against repeating history and emphasizing the need for student safety during protests. Omar even visited the Columbia campus and engaged with anti-war activists following the arrest of her daughter, Isra Hirsi, in connection with the demonstrations.
The events at Kent State continue to serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of students to peacefully protest and speak out against injustice without facing violence or repression.
