Higher Education Faces Tumultuous Closure as Student Demonstrations Occur
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In the tumultuous 2023-24 academic year, college campuses across the United States have been grappling with political discourse, protests, and debates. The recent events have led college presidents to reconsider their institutions' roles in these discussions.
One such institution is the College of the Holy Cross, where President Vincent D. Rougeau believes in maintaining institutional neutrality as essential for preserving intellectual freedom and academic inquiry. A debate on this very topic took place in Dinand Library, with the pro-neutrality side securing 83% support.
However, some critics argue that institutional neutrality can be a "smoke screen for a very clear position" of complicity in injustice. This sentiment has been echoed by Harvard Professor Steven S. Levitsky, who has stated that he would join protests if administrators respond like Columbia University, which enacted police crackdowns.
Columbia, too, has faced its share of challenges. Clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators led to the university shifting to hybrid learning. Similar protests have occurred on a large scale at universities such as Berkeley, Columbia, Chapel Hill, and Harvard, with some resulting in nearly a hundred students' arrests, as seen at the University of Southern California during their canceled commencement.
Emory University has also experienced violent arrests of professors and students during protests. On Harvard's campus, life continues as usual with tourists visiting bookstores, cafes, and performances, while pro-Palestinian protests have taken place in Harvard Yard, featuring tents, crowds, drumming, and chanting.
Amidst these protests, some college institutions are finding innovative ways to foster open debate. The Benedict Joseph Fenwick Debating Society, defunct since around 2003, has returned to campus and hosted its first debates in 20 years. The society offers a space for students and community members to engage in discussions on various topics.
Monica Regan '23 shared a reflection on Halloween, stating that she and her friends dressed as the cast of "Shrek" and had a memorable Halloweekend. Despite the challenges facing college campuses, moments of joy and camaraderie continue to shine through.
As college administrators consider various responses to the ongoing protests, it remains to be seen how these institutions will navigate the complexities of political discourse while upholding their core values.
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