Police officers in riot gear were seen clearing banners at the University of Southern California campus in Los Angeles. In an Instagram live stream by the university’s student-run Annenberg Media, officers were shown removing protest banners. The LAPD officers were also gathering around the campus, with the university warning of possible arrests for those who did not leave the center of campus.
After weeks of pro-Palestinian protests on campuses across the country, colleges are regrouping ahead of their upcoming commencement ceremonies. More than 2,300 arrests have been made during these protests, with universities like The University of Michigan, Northeastern, Arizona State, and Ohio State preparing for their graduation ceremonies. School administrations have issued warnings that anyone disrupting the ceremonies will be removed from campus, as students continue to protest in support of Palestinian human rights.
James Carlson, an animal rights lawyer, was arrested at Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall for his involvement in the occupation of the building. Carlson was under investigation for snatching an Israeli flag near campus and setting it on fire. He is part of a group of “professional outsiders” that the NYPD and city officials have accused of playing a significant role in the takeover of the hall. Some student protesters believe that the focus on outsiders is fueled by ulterior motives and may not accurately reflect the overall student protest movement.
At Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall, Carlson’s arrest marked a dramatic escalation in protest tactics, though the extent of influence that outsiders like him have on the student movement remains unclear. City and university officials have pushed the narrative of dangerous outsiders co-opting the protests, but some student protesters dispute this characterization. The protest movement at Columbia and nearby colleges began more than two weeks ago, with students advocating for Palestinian human rights.
Dozens of LAPD officers gathered at the University of Southern California’s campus, wearing riot gear and removing protest banners. The university warned of possible arrests for those who did not leave the center of campus. In the midst of ongoing pro-Palestinian protests on campuses nationwide, universities are regrouping for their upcoming commencement ceremonies. Schools like The University of Michigan and Ohio State, where protests have occurred, are preparing for potential disruptions during graduation ceremonies.
The arrest of James Carlson at Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall highlighted the tension between student protesters and city officials. Carlson, already under investigation for a separate incident involving an Israeli flag, was arrested for his role in occupying the building. The focus on “professional outsiders” by the NYPD and mayor has raised questions about the true motivations behind the crackdown on student protests. The student movement advocating for Palestinian human rights has gained momentum, with continued demonstrations at Columbia and other nearby colleges.
