How Universities Can Keep Protests from Turning Violent: 3 Lessons from the 2024 Pro-Palestinian Encampments

Strategic Insights -

Protests have long been a defining feature of social and political change in the U.S., with higher education institutions serving as a critical space for activism. Campus protests have often reflected broader societal tensions, and how universities respond has played a significant role in shaping their outcomes. The pro-Palestinian protests that erupted on university campuses throughout the U.S. in spring 2024, in response to Israel's invasion of Gaza, provide a timely case study on how institutions can manage protests to prevent violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • **Involve students in guidelines for engagement early on**: One-third of institutions surveyed did not consult with students to establish guidelines for engagement, leading to tensions escalating and protests disrupting the institution for weeks. Those that did invite representatives from student organizations or student government officers into the policymaking process to determine what protocols would be followed to manage protests and keep them peaceful.
  • **Communicate openly, often, and before protests**: Institutions that proactively supported dialogue between Jews and Muslims before the war broke out didn't see violence result from the protests. Dialogue is fundamental to intergroup learning in higher education and can help create safe spaces for students to engage with classmates with different points of view.
  • **Involve relevant groups in decision-making**: Only 28% of administrators consulted a religious or spiritual life office staff member on campus. This is a crucial oversight, as these professionals often serve as liaisons to the religious and nonreligious communities represented on campus and have valuable expertise in religious pluralism and community relationships.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 university campuses had pro-Palestinian encampments for at least a few days during the spring 2024 period, with 70% of these protests occurring in April and May 2024.
  • Half of the campus protests reported law enforcement involvement, with 20% experiencing physical altercations between protesters and police.
  • The majority of protests were nonviolent, with only a few institutions experiencing physical violence, vandalism, and doxxing.

Sources:

  • Mayhew, M. J., Bowling, R., & Haddad, H. (2024). How universities can keep protests from turning violent: 3 lessons from the 2024 pro-Palestinian encampments. The Conversation USA, 1-10.
  • Fox, J. (2023). Students continue to protest for Israel-Palestine at universities across the US. Vox, 1-6.
  • Powell, P. J. (2023). How universities can navigate the tensions surrounding Israel-Palestine. Inside Higher Ed, 1-6.