Staff Reports
State troopers and the Austin Police Department were seen surrounding anti-Israel protesters at the University of Texas at Austin. The protesters, many wearing masks, were marching on campus, demanding that the university cut ties with Israel. This type of protest has also happened at other prominent universities in the past week. The protesters chanted things like “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest.”
UT Austin students chanting “You don’t scare us” even as countless militarized Texas Troopers swarm their campus, attack their protest, and bring in horses. This movement will not be stopped.
— Read Let This Radicalize You (@JoshuaPHilll) April 24, 2024
It was reported that law enforcement stepped in to stop the protesters from taking over the campus area. The police came to keep the campus safe from the protesters. Even though law enforcement asked the protesters to leave, they kept chanting things like “Free, Free, Free Palestine.” The protesters even compared the Austin Police Department and Israel Defense Forces to the Ku Klux Klan.
The Texas Horn, a student-run conservative publication, posted footage showing the intense situation. Videos showed protesters surrounding troopers on horses and defying the orders to disperse. The protests have caused clashes between law enforcement and students at many universities, like Columbia University and Yale University.
Remembering that everyone has the right to express their opinions peacefully is important. However, disrupting campus activities or putting others in danger during protests is not right. President Joe Biden has spoken out against the rise of Antisemitism and violence that has come from some of these anti-Israel protests. These events highlight the need for campuses to prioritize safety for all students, regardless of their beliefs.
Conservative news outlets have criticized the protests for featuring antisemitic chants and supporting Hamas, a known terrorist group. The safety of all students, including Jewish students, should be a top priority on college campuses. The actions of a few should not overshadow the rights and safety of the majority. Peaceful dialogue and understanding are key to resolving differences and creating a safe environment for everyone.
