Your Right to Protest Is Under Attack

Over the last couple of months, protests across the country have risen. This is due to the continued escalation of the war in Israel and Gaza. Despite pleas from Americans to the government to call for a ceasefire, we continue to witness war crimes against Palestinians. As a result, students and citizens are protesting across the nation. At the same time, the Supreme Court recently eliminated the right to organize a mass protest in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. That shouldn’t be legal, due to the right to protest in our Constitution. Right before our very eyes, the right to protest is being attacked by higher institutions. As Americans, regardless of age, political leaning, etc, it is our responsibility to fight for the upholding of our constitutional right to protest.

Throughout history, protests led to constructive change benefitting the upliftment of marginalized communities. Protests bring about awareness, community, and when successful lead to institutional change. We saw this in the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 that led to conversations about defunding the police. Additionally, as a result of the public outroar, people in denial acknowledged that we do not live in a post-racial society. Higher institutions, such as major companies, developed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, and people of color began to feel seen.

In the context of today, students at universities across the country are setting up encampments on their campuses. A majority of these students’ demands include their universities’ divestment from Israel. Despite these encampments being peaceful, many universities called on police force against students. Additionally, administrations threatened students with suspension, and the possibility of deportation for international students.

Like most protestors, students decided between giving into threats or standing in solidarity with Gaza. Many stayed and stood their ground. Even though police forces arrested hundreds of students across campuses, it was not for nothing. These protests will forever be remembered as key moments in history.

For students and citizens alike, the use of police brutality against students has been disappointing. But, we can not and will not give up. Despite some universities showing their true colors, students achieved success across a number of campuses. As stated in a New York Times article, p”[a]t the University of California, Berkeley, student activists got their president to agree to support a cease-fire in Gaza. At Rutgers University, they won a promise of scholarships for 10 Palestinian students displaced by the war. Brown University pledged that its board of trustees would vote on divesting from Israel.” Protests hold power.

The right to protest continues to be a fundamental part of being an American. Police brutality, suspension, or even threats of deportation do not have the power to break up the power of activism. As higher institutions continue to threaten the right to protest, hold your ground. Get louder. Grow in numbers. And stand in solidarity with what is right. In doing so, real change happens.