Colleges across US seek to clear protest encampments by force or ultimatum as commencements approach
As upcoming commencement ceremonies grew closer Tuesday, universities across the U.S. grappled with how to clear out encampments of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, with some continuing negotiations and others turning to force and ultimatums that have resulted in arrests and clashes with police.
Dozens of people were arrested Monday during protests at universities in Texas and Virginia, while Columbia University in New York said it began suspending students.
Demonstrators are sparring over the Israel-Hamas war and its mounting death toll, and the number, as well as their support for free speech. Some Jewish students say the protests have veered into antisemitism and made them afraid to set foot on campus.
