Strategies for Protest and Peacebuilding on College Campuses and Beyond

Waves of student protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza swept American campuses last week and along with them the debate of free speech and the freedom to peaceably assemble on campus grounds. 

The first group of protesters gathered to demonstrate their discontentment with the Israel-Hamas war at Columbia University on April 18. Since then, protests have sprung up on other Ivy League campuses like Harvard University, Brown University and Princeton University, according to the Associated Press. 

The movement promptly gained momentum and inspired several encampments on local college campuses, namely Virginia Commonwealth University, California State Polytechnic University in Humboldt, University of Utah and University of Florida, reported the New York Times.

Police have since arrested more than 1,000 protesters, citing violations of school codes and unauthorized camping on campus, said PBS. Though the arrests were met with pushback from the movement’s supporters, protesters should still be aware of several possible charges including rioting, civil disorder or obstruction of highways if the situation gets out of hand.

Protest, peacebuilding, free speech, and the Israel-Palestinian conflict have been central themes for many incredible podcast episodes within our network. If the topics interest you, I recommend listening to the episodes below.

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‍The Politics Guys: Ukraine Aid, TikTok Ban, Campus Protests

A very recent coverage and discussion of what’s been happening by one of our newest members, The Politics Guys — this episode takes a closer look at the pro-Palestinian demonstration across American college campuses. Though the hosts sympathize with the situation differently, they both agree that there is an extent to which free speech is protected under the First Amendment with regard to time, place, and manner.

Talkin’ Politics and Religion Without Killin’ Each Other: Michal Rozen: Updates from our family in ISRAEL

This episode was released a month after the October 7 attack in Gaza that stunned the world. With a central theme of peace, unity, and non-violence, the episode resonates with peaceful protesters and listeners who want to understand the power of coming together despite political differences.

‍Politics Is Everything: ‘It was an attack on democracy; it was terrorism’ ft. Officer Daniel Hodges

An incident where the freedom of speech turns into a series of attacks on the U.S. Capitol and is no longer protected under the First Amendment — the episode features DC Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges who fought against those assaulting the Capitol and sustained multiple injuries in the process.

‍Village SquareCast: Respect + Rebellion: The State of Debate on Campus

In recent years, American colleges have been the hotbed of censoring instances whether it’s the appearance of controversial speakers or demonstrations and student protests on campus. This episode dives into the state of free speech within campus grounds and whether schools should uphold and honor the First Amendment or take preventative measures to avoid escalating violence.

‍The Bully Pulpit: The George Floyd Tragedy: Is There a Path To Positive Change?

A look at 2020’s most prominent incident that prompted a nationwide movement and global influence in over 20 countries — the episode explores the nature and power of protesting, how racism penetrates American lives that got us here, and the necessary actions to move forward.

Politics In Question: What are the politics of protest?

From the suffrage movement to more recently the Gaza encampment, protesting has been used as a way to affect change and a platform for controversial discussions. This episode touches on non-violent politics, the role of the media, and implementing structural change through protest movements.

Let’s Find Common Ground: Bridging Divides on College Campuses

With the current political atmosphere being some degree of polarization, its division creates hostility that threatens our democracy and affects young Americans’ perception of the other side on the political spectrum. In this episode, two young people with contradictory backgrounds join in a conversation that emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding and coming together despite their political differences.

Democracy in Danger: Fighting with a song 

In an unorthodox way of protesting, activist Manasseh Mathiang makes protest music and works to promote human rights abroad with the goal of helping to rebuild his home country South Sudan. By singing for freedom and justice, Mathiang pushes South Sudanese authorities to tackle rampant corruption and abuses of power. 

Future Hindsight: Protecting Free Speech: Suzanne Nossel

Suzanne Nossel is the chief executive officer of PEN America, a non-profit organization working to raise awareness and protect the freedom of expression in the U.S. and worldwide. She joined host Mila Atmos to discuss the First Amendment and how it’s crucial to American democracy as well as the state of free speech around the world after January 6.

How Do We Fix It? A Solution for Israelis & Palestinians? Dahlia Scheindlin

The Israel-Palestinian conflict dates back to 1948 though it recently garnered tremendous global attention after the October 7 attack. In this 2018 episode, Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli public opinion analyst, strategic consultant and peace researcher discussed the proposal for a two-state confederation between Israel and Palestine that allows for greater movement between the two nations’ citizens.

Democracy Matters: Episode 108: Solutions to the campus free speech woes: An interview with ALL IN Democracy Challenge's Stephanie King and JMU Debate

Another great episode on the power of free speech on college campuses and its implications as students continuously gather to demonstrate their discontent with the administrations. While higher education should promote civil discourse, opposing ideas, and thought-provoking debates, it seems like free speech has now become an issue facing American colleges and in some instances, campus safety.

Democracy Works: The Real Free Speech Problem On Campus

Discussing the complexities surrounding free speech on college campuses, this episode touches on the suppression of marginalized voices and the impact of power dynamics within institutions with a non-partisan approach. Penn State professor Brad Vivian joins host Jenna Spinelle in emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue and constructive deliberation at higher education institutions.