The Unyielding Spirit of Student Activism
As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of the Israel-Hamas war, a new generation of student activists is rising up on US campuses. Despite facing fierce opposition, intimidation, and disciplinary actions, these young individuals remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and peace.
Elizabeth Howell-Egan, a law student at the University of Southern California (USC), has become a beacon of hope for many. After being suspended from campus last spring for participating in anti-war protests, she refused to back down. Instead, she continued her activism online, organizing sessions on the Israel-Hamas war and distributing flyers outside the campus, which is now fortified with checkpoints and security officers.
“Change is never comfortable,” Howell-Egan said. “You always have to risk something to create change and to create a future that we want to live in.” Her words echo the sentiments of many student activists who feel an unshakeable moral responsibility to continue their movement, despite the risks involved.
The Rise of Online Activism
As security measures tighten on campuses, students are adapting by shifting their activism online. Social media platforms have become a crucial tool for spreading awareness and mobilizing support. Students like Howell-Egan are leveraging these channels to amplify their voices and reach a wider audience.
For instance, the USC Divest Coalition has moved its focus off campus, incorporating the wider community in their efforts. They're holding teach-ins, which serve as a platform to educate students about the issues at hand and strategize on effective protest methods.
The Brown University Divestment Push
At Brown University, student activists are taking another tack to pressure the Ivy League school to divest its endowment from companies with ties to Israel. Last spring, the university committed to a vote by its governing board on a divestment proposal in exchange for students packing up their tents.
Now, students including Niyanta Nepal, the student body president who was voted in on a pro-divestment platform, say they intend to apply pressure for a vote in favor of divestment. They're rallying students to attend forums and encouraging incoming students to join the movement.
Brown already faces heat from state attorneys general over its consideration of the divestment proposal, including a blistering letter from two dozen Republicans. Rafi Ash, a member of the Brown University Jews For Ceasefire Now and Brown Divest Coalition, dismisses critics who see the anti-war protests as antisemitic.
“The Judaism I was taught promotes peace. It promotes justice. It promotes ‘tikkun olam’ — repairing the world,” Ash said. “This is the most Jewish act I can do, to stand up for justice, for everyone.”
A New Era of Activism?
The crackdown on student activism has led some to question whether this generation will be able to overcome the challenges ahead. However, many see this as a moment of truth – an opportunity to rise above and find creative ways to resist.
For Howell-Egan, being barred from campus only deepened her desire to speak out. “Even with this threat of USC imposing sanctions and disciplinary measures, I am at peace with it because I am standing up for something that is important,” she said.
She believes that student activism has become a crucial force in shaping the future, and that their voices must be heard. As Porell, an attorney with Palestine Legal, notes, there's been a trend of heavier punishments for students engaging in activism than in the past – including banishment from campus and suspensions that keep students ‘in limbo for months.’
Howell-Egan sees this as part of a strategy to stifle free speech, but she remains resolute. In fact, the suspension has only strengthened her resolve to continue speaking out.
In the face of adversity, student activists like Howell-Egan and others are using their collective power to push for change. They're finding innovative ways to resist, mobilizing support, and educating each other about the complexities of the conflict.
This new era of activism is not without its challenges, but it's also filled with hope. As Ash notes, “The Judaism I was taught promotes peace. It promotes justice. It promotes ‘tikkun olam’ — repairing the world.”
And so, student activists on US campuses continue to push forward, refusing to back down in the face of adversity. Their unyielding spirit is a testament to their unwavering commitment to creating a better future for all.
The Way Forward?
As the Israel-Hamas war continues to unfold, one thing is clear – student activism will play a crucial role in shaping the future. It's a moment of truth, and it's up to this generation to decide how they want to respond.
The crackdown on student activism may have been intense, but it has also galvanized a new wave of resistance. Student activists are finding creative ways to resist, mobilizing support, and educating each other about the complexities of the conflict.
It's time for the world to listen to their voices – to amplify their messages, to learn from their experiences, and to stand in solidarity with them. For it's through this collective effort that we can create a better future – one where peace, justice, and human rights are the guiding principles.