The national conversation surrounding student protests against Israel’s war on Gaza has predominantly focused on elite coastal universities. However, the reality is that protests have taken place across a wide range of campuses, including those in the Rust Belt and Appalachia regions.
While media coverage has been extensive for protests at prestigious universities on the coasts, such as Columbia University and UCLA, there has been a lack of attention given to the demonstrations at working-class public universities like City College of New York and schools in the Rust Belt and Appalachia. These regions have seen significant student-led protests at institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University, and Ohio State University.
The narrative that student protesters are privileged and out of touch has been used to discredit their efforts. However, the reality is that students from diverse backgrounds have been actively involved in protests across the country. In fact, student demonstrators held protests for Gaza in 11 out of 13 states in the Appalachian region and every state in the Rust Belt.
Despite the widespread nature of these protests, mainstream media has largely ignored the brutal police crackdowns and attacks on pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Police have used militarized tanks and riot gear against students at various schools, resulting in injuries such as broken limbs and teeth. The treatment of students at different campuses has also shown disparities, with harsher charges being levied against students at some institutions compared to others.
Violence against students in Rust Belt states has been particularly alarming, with incidents like contractors spraying paint directly onto student protesters at Case Western Reserve University and police attacking protesters during a Muslim prayer at Ohio State University. These actions have left students traumatized and physically harmed, highlighting the need for greater awareness of the situation.
Critics of campus protests have justified police crackdowns by claiming that demonstrators have violated student codes of conduct and created an unsafe environment for Jewish or pro-Israel students. However, these claims fail to acknowledge the violence faced by protesters and the diverse backgrounds of those involved in the demonstrations.
It is essential to recognize that Jewish students have also been active participants in the protests, dispelling the notion that these demonstrations are solely driven by one group’s interests. The media’s portrayal of the protests does not always reflect the reality on the ground, where students from various backgrounds come together to advocate for justice and peace.
In conclusion, student protests against Israel’s war on Gaza have extended far beyond elite coastal universities, with significant demonstrations taking place in the Rust Belt and Appalachia regions. It is crucial to shed light on the breadth of these protests and the challenges faced by students advocating for change on their campuses. By amplifying their voices and experiences, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the movement for justice and solidarity.