In recent times, protests supporting Palestine and opposing Israel have erupted in various parts of the United States. Protesters in the Boston area have even set up tents for overnight stays on multiple college campuses. Harvard University closed its campus in response, while over a hundred individuals at Emerson College were arrested for occupying public spaces.
On April 26, our reporter observed protesters at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge setting up numerous tents within the campuses, displaying the Palestinian flag and signs proclaiming a “Liberated Zone”.
Harvard University restricted public access on that day, with notices posted at the gates stating that only students and staff with valid Harvard IDs could enter the campus. Individuals intending to set up tents or other structures were required to obtain prior approval and not obstruct public pathways.
At MIT, protesters camped on the lawn below the student activities center. Alongside supporters of Palestine, there were also individuals carrying Israeli flags in the area.
“We started camping here on Sunday night and plan to stay as long as necessary until our demands are met,” said Zeno, an MIT student supporting Palestine.
According to Zeno, the protesters are demanding MIT to cease accepting investments from Israeli institutions, lift sanctions against certain protesting students, and call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Contrary to the pro-Palestine group, there were individuals within the protest area displaying Israeli flags to express a opposing standpoint.
“We do not aim to escalate tensions and want to ensure that no one feels threatened because of our presence here,” said a supporter of Israel who preferred not to disclose his name but identified himself as an MIT affiliate. He stated that they will not be intimidated in voicing support for Israel.
The individual criticized MIT’s allowing of protester occupation in public spaces, not enforcing campus regulations, calling it a “disgrace”. He added, “MIT is willing to sacrifice the small Israeli minority population within the school for peace in certain situations, and we don’t agree with this.”
Apart from Harvard University and MIT, other universities in the Boston area such as Northeastern University and Tufts University also saw temporary protest encampments.
In-campus protests at Harvard University and MIT did not result in physical conflicts. However, at Emerson College in Boston, a violent clash on April 25 led to the arrest of over a hundred individuals.
Protesters near Emerson College constructed numerous tents on public pathways and squares. On Thursday, Boston police, citing municipal regulations, ordered the campers to vacate the area.
Video footage released by the police showed tense altercations between protesters and law enforcement. A total of 108 individuals were arrested that day, with three officers sustaining minor injuries and one officer being severely injured. Emerson College canceled classes and campus activities for the day.
The day before the violent incident, Emerson College warned students that the location where protesters erected tents was not entirely within the school’s jurisdiction, including public pathways regulated by the Boston police.
Police video footage revealed that officers had twice read out municipal regulations to the protesters before conducting the clearance operation, emphasizing that setting up tents in public spaces was unlawful.
City councilor Ed Flynn, representing the downtown Boston district, stated on the evening of April 25, “We support the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, violating municipal regulations by obstructing public pathways, doorways, fire hydrants, or setting up tents on public roads is unacceptable.”
Flynn commended Emerson College for showing restraint during the incident, while also acknowledging the professionalism displayed by the Boston Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services.
“Emerson College provided adequate time for protesters to comply with Boston city regulations. After a period, considering public safety and the interest of passage, these protesters were removed and arrested by the Boston police in a professional manner,” Flynn explained.
Carol Rose, Executive Director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, expressed concerns regarding the recent nationwide crackdowns on political viewpoints and arrests of protesters, despite official actions being taken to clear public pathways and safeguard campus activities.
“Last night’s police response to the Emerson College protests endangered the safety and health of everyone in that area,” Rose remarked.