Students at Rutgers University demonstrated patriotism by waving American flags and chanting “USA!” in response to anti-Israel protests on campus. This show of patriotism followed a similar display at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill earlier that week. A student named Jeremy Li expressed his support for the counter-protesters and hoped to see this movement spread across the country. Final exams at Rutgers were canceled on Thursday due to the protests, causing disruption for many students. Jewish student Abbey also voiced her concerns about the safety of the school’s large Jewish community during this time.
Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway addressed the protests in a letter to the community, calling the decision to cancel exams “unprecedented.” Holloway emphasized the school’s commitment to free speech but stated that protests should not come at the cost of students’ education and safety. The demonstrations by Students for Justice in Palestine disrupted exams and impacted over a thousand students. Holloway reiterated the importance of maintaining a balance between free speech and creating a safe environment for students.
The protests at Rutgers followed a viral incident at UNC-Chapel Hill, where students defended the American flag from being replaced by a Palestinian flag. This act of patriotism garnered support from students, fraternity members, and law enforcement who intervened to prevent the flag from being desecrated. The Chapel Hill students received overwhelming support, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $500,000 to show appreciation for their actions. In response to the incident, UNC has installed a fence around the campus flag pole to prevent further disruptions.
Jeremy Li expressed hope that the demonstrations at UNC and Rutgers would inspire more students to stand up against similar protests happening on campuses nationwide. He highlighted incidents at other universities where demonstrations turned violent, emphasizing the need for peaceful protests and respectful dialogue. Li mentioned the importance of students uniting against actions that support Hamas and undermine the values of free speech and education. The movement of students defending American flags and chanting “USA!” in response to protests may continue spreading to other campuses in the future.
The protests at Rutgers and UNC have sparked a conversation about the balance between free speech and the safety of students on campus. While demonstrations are a valid form of expression, they should not disrupt the educational environment or put students in harm’s way. Both universities have taken measures to address the protests and ensure that students can continue their studies without interference. The actions of students defending the American flag and displaying patriotism have received widespread support, indicating a desire for unity and respect for national symbols.
As the demonstrations at Rutgers and UNC gain attention, there is a hope that this movement will serve as a model for peaceful and respectful protests on college campuses. By showcasing patriotism and unity in the face of adversity, students are sending a strong message about the importance of free speech, education, and safety. The incidents at these universities have sparked a nationwide conversation about the role of protests in academic settings and the need to balance individual expression with the well-being of the larger student body. Through continued dialogue and engagement, students can work towards a more harmonious and inclusive campus environment.
