Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Year : 2, Issue : 19
by Rubaiya Hassan
Universities, the epicenters of knowledge and wisdom, are witnessing an alarming trend. The passionate expressions of students supporting Palestine present a paradox. These youthful advocates, driven by a profound sense of human rights and global unity, have turned their academic environments into platforms for their voices. Their protests exemplify the power of freedom of speech and assembly, cornerstones of our democratic society. Yet, it’s concerning to see some universities responding by calling the police, citing safety as a reason. This approach becomes questionable when there is a noticeable absence of a similar response to incidents where pro-Israel groups confront pro-Palestine demonstrators. This unequal enforcement of safety rules raises serious concerns about possible bias and fairness.
When students assemble to voice their concerns, they are not just protesting; they are initiating a dialogue, a plea for justice that should be met with understanding and respect, not force. Universities should be the safe harbors fostering idea exchange, not arenas where freedom of expression is suppressed. The decision to involve law enforcement can escalate tensions, turning these educational sanctuaries into hostile environments.
Our democratic principles mandate that we protect the rights of all individuals to express their views freely and participate in peaceful activism. The suppression of student protests contradicts these principles and jeopardizes the core of academic freedom. We need to foster a culture that respects diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the significance of every voice in the dialogue, no matter the political stance it represents.
Our universities are more than just educational institutions; they are the bedrock of our society’s future. They have a responsibility to nurture a culture of open debate, critical thinking, and social consciousness. The rights of students to participate in peaceful protests without the threat of police intervention must be respected and safeguarded. It’s a call to action for our academic institutions to uphold these principles of free speech and respect for diverse viewpoints. Only then can we truly address contentious issues like the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in a balanced and just manner.
Author is a student of Queens College, City University of New York
