The following is a personal post in response to conversations with students about the events happening on college campuses in response to the Israeli Military Occupation of Gaza.

Echoes of the Past: Understanding Protest and Civil Unrest on College Campuses Today

As educators navigate the complexities of modern society, it’s crucial to recognize the echoes of history reverberating through our present-day struggles. In the past few weeks, I have had several students ask what I thought about the campus protest of the Israeli invasion/occupation of Gaza. Each time I have to measure and mold my words so that they are clear and it makes me wonder what those working as educators on those campuses think as well. I am the son of a student that attended Kent State in May of 1970. Whenever students ask me now, I know they are seeking guidance and understanding but my answers may not always be what they want to hear.

The scenes of protest and civil unrest that occasionally erupt on college campuses today bear striking resemblances to the turbulent events of the early 1970s, particularly those at South Carolina State, Kent State, and the University of New Mexico. While separated by decades, these incidents share common threads that shed light on the challenges facing contemporary students and society as a whole. At South Carolina State University in 1968, students peacefully protested racial segregation and discrimination, only to be met with violence from law enforcement during the Orangeburg massacre. Similarly, at Kent State University in 1970, students voiced their opposition to the Vietnam War, leading to a tragic confrontation with the National Guard that resulted in the deaths of four students and the injury of nine others. Meanwhile, at the University of New Mexico, protests erupted over issues ranging from civil rights to campus policies, culminating in clashes between students and law enforcement.

Fast forward to the present day, and we witness a resurgence of activism and unrest on college campuses. Students are once again raising their voices against injustice, inequality, and systemic issues that plague our society. From advocating for socio-economic stability and global peace to racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights to demanding action on climate change and gun violence, today’s protests mirror the fervor and determination of their predecessors. Yet the scenes and signs of protest feel different this time because of the growing voices of anti-antisemitism, genocide, and retribution.

So why do these echoes of the past persist in our modern world? The answer lies in the enduring struggle for social progress and the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities. While significant strides have been made since the 1970s, the underlying issues of racism, discrimination, and injustice continue to pervade our society. You only have to look at the BLM protests and Occupy Wall Street activities over the last decade to see that marginalized people are still motivated and seeking change. College campuses, as hubs of intellectual discourse and activism, serve as crucibles for societal change, where students confront and challenge the status quo.

Furthermore, the rise of social media has revolutionized the landscape of activism, empowering students to mobilize and amplify their voices in unprecedented ways. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok serve as channels for organizing protests, disseminating information, and garnering support on a global scale. This interconnectedness has heightened awareness of social issues and energized movements for change, but it has also subjected activists to increased scrutiny and backlash.

Today, campus leaders face a formidable challenge as the boundary between peace and hostility is often blurred in an instant. While protesters may assemble to advocate for an end to political, social, or military conflicts, individuals may also use the same platforms to spew hate speech, incite revenge, and propagate genocide, thereby distorting the narrative of peace with viral TikToks or Twitter posts. What may have started as an individual plea for intervention and peace can swiftly be co-opted by vitriol, racism, and aggression.

In contrast to the distant anti-war protests and calls for desegregation in 1970, today’s campuses represent a diverse array of voices. Consequently, educators, students, and alumni alike find themselves grappling with the unsettling notion that their academic sanctuary has been infiltrated by expressions of hatred.

In light of these parallels, it is imperative that we heed the lessons of history and support the rights of students to peacefully protest and dissent. Rather than dismissing their concerns or resorting to violence, we must engage in constructive dialogue, address systemic injustices, and work towards meaningful solutions. After all, the legacy of past struggles serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

As we confront the challenges of our time, let us draw inspiration from the courage and conviction of those who came before us. By embracing the spirit of solidarity and standing in solidarity with the voices of peaceful change, we can create a brighter and more just future for generations to come. The echoes of the past may reverberate, but it is our actions in the present that will shape the course of history.

To learn more about the last 30 years of peace and violence between Israel and Palestine, I highly recommend this timeline from PBS Frontline. It covers the major events from the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords up to the Israeli invasion of Gaza following the Oct 7 attacks.

Updated May 3

A week later, I still believe that students have the right to protest peacefully. However, it’s crucial that their protests do not interfere with the academic activities of their fellow students on campus. While I support the right to protest and question authority—since universities are spaces where challenging questions and complex issues are explored—I do not condone students occupying buildings or disrupting campus order. I fear that such disruptive behavior by a few could lead to tragic consequences. It’s essential to balance the right to protest with respect for the academic environment and the safety of everyone on campus.