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Thousands Arrested in Protests Disrupting Colleges Across US

Updated: Jun 6

Over 2,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks at protests that have disrupted college and university campuses across the United States, according to a new report by the protest monitoring organization Education Week. The protests have been sparked by a variety of issues, including systemic racism, gun violence, and climate change.


A sign with the word University on
Over 2,000 arrests in recent US campus protests highlight issues of systemic racism, gun violence, and climate change. Universities face national debate on free speech and social justice responsibilities.

Some of the largest protests have taken place at the University of California, Berkeley, where over 1,000 people were arrested at a protest against a conservative guest speaker. Other notable protests have occurred at Howard University, Cornell University, and the University of Michigan.


Organizers of the protests say their actions are necessary to raise awareness about critical issues and to put pressure on university administrators to take action. However, some critics argue that the protests are disruptive and that they hinder free speech.


The protests have sparked a national debate about the role of universities in American society. Some people argue that universities should be open spaces for all viewpoints, while others believe that universities have a responsibility to promote social justice and protect students from harm.

It is still too early to say what the long-term impact of these protests will be. However, it is clear that they have highlighted deep-seated issues and divisions in American society.



Here are some additional details about the protests at specific universities:

  • University of California, Berkeley: The protests were sparked by an invitation to Ben Shapiro, a conservative political commentator known for his controversial views. Protesters blocked access to the hall where Shapiro was scheduled to speak, and police intervened to disperse the crowd.

  • Howard University: The protests were sparked by the police killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. Protesters called on the university to divest from its relationship with the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C.

  • Cornell University: The protests were sparked by allegations of racism and sexual harassment against a history professor. Protesters called for the professor's firing and a reform of the way the university handles issues of race and gender.

  • University of Michigan: The protests were sparked by a statement made by a university administrator, who suggested that Black students should not be admitted to the university based on academic merit. Protesters called for an apology from the administrator and a review of the university's admissions policies.


It is important to note that this is just a summary of the events and that many other perspectives and details are not included here.



Source: APnews

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