Supporting students' right to protest: A university president's perspective

University campuses around the world have become the epicenters of a significant movement. Students are rising in protest against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, demanding action from academic institutions and governments alike. As a university president, I firmly believe that people in my position should be backing students' right to protest over Gaza. This movement not only highlights the moral indignation of a generation often criticized for apathy but also underscores the essential role of universities as bastions of free intellectual inquiry and self-realization.

The Moral Imperative of Student Protests

The student protests over Gaza are driven by a profound sense of moral outrage. These young individuals are responding to preventable human suffering with a coordinated, intelligent, and compassionate movement. They have grown up in a world marked by significant challenges, including the post-9/11 era, the 2008 financial crisis, the climate meltdown, and the educational and emotional toll of the pandemic. Despite these adversities, they have managed to organize a global movement that deserves more than dismissal.

Regardless of one's position on their demands, the moral outrage that they feel in response to the suffering of humans that could have been avoided is a feeling that we should all get behind. This statement encapsulates the essence of the student protests. It is not merely about political demands; it is about a fundamental human response to suffering and injustice.

The Role of Universities in Supporting Protests

Universities have a critical role to play in supporting student protests. These institutions are meant to be spaces of free intellectual inquiry, where students can explore ideas, challenge norms, and advocate for change. However, the response of many academic administrations to the Gaza protests has been disconcerting. In some cases, universities have invoked the need for 'safe spaces' to justify the repression of protests and curtail freedom of speech.

The demonstrations and encampments have, for the most part, been peaceful; however, there have been instances in which they have been met with severe repression. This response is antithetical to the very principles that universities are supposed to uphold. Instead of stifling student voices, academic institutions should be fostering an environment where students can express their views and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Bridging the Divide Between Students and Administrations

The student protests over Gaza also reveal a deep divide between students and university administrations. Over the past few decades, university administrations have grown exponentially, becoming bureaucratic behemoths with their own corporate interests. This growth has often come at the expense of the core mission of universities: to be institutions of free intellectual inquiry and self-realization.

The recent photographs of the abandoned Columbia University Morningside campus, which was closed behind police lines, can only result in feelings of dismay for anyone who places a high value on colleges as places where individuals are able to freely engage in intellectual research and realize their full potential. These images are a stark reminder of the need to bridge the gap between students and administrations. Universities must prioritize the voices of their students and support their right to protest.

The Opportunity for Change

The student movement offers an opportunity to bridge the tensions between academic freedom and diversity, equality, and inclusiveness (DEI) policies. By supporting student protests, universities can reaffirm their commitment to these values and demonstrate that they are truly spaces of free intellectual inquiry.

As a university president, I am moved by the dedication and passion of the students leading this movement. They are not only advocating for change in Gaza but also challenging the status quo within academic institutions. It is our responsibility to support them and ensure that universities remain true to their mission.

The student protests over Gaza are a powerful reminder of the importance of free intellectual inquiry and the moral imperative to respond to human suffering. As university leaders, we must back students' right to protest and work towards creating an environment where their voices are heard and valued.