In the wake of turbulent protests enveloping college campuses nationwide, President Joe Biden has firmly condemned the violence that has accompanied demonstrations, particularly highlighting recent events associated with pro-Palestinian activism.
“Violent protest is not protected — peaceful protest is,” the president said. “It’s against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not a peaceful protest.” Biden also said that antisemitism, threats of violence against Jewish students, hate speech or violence of any kind have no place on any campus.
The president’s remarks were not limited to the characterization of violence. “Whether it’s antisemitism, Islamophobia or discrimination against Arab Americans or Palestinian Americans, it’s simply wrong,” he said. “There’s no place for racism in America. It’s all wrong, it’s un-American.”
“I understand people have strong feelings and deep convictions,” he added. “In America, we respect the right and protect the rights for them to express that, but it doesn’t mean anything goes. It needs to be done without violence, without distraction, without hating and within the law.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters opposing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza had seized control of Hamilton Hall on Columbia’s campus on Monday, an escalation of protests that began roughly two weeks ago. New York police officers entered the building late Tuesday through a window, carrying riot shields and zip ties and arresting several protesters as they cleared the area. Biden added, “Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder.”
In his remarks Thursday, Biden also criticized “those who rush in to score political points” from the protests, saying, “This isn’t a moment for politics, it’s a moment for clarity.” Biden did not specify whom he was referring to. Former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has attempted to blame him and other Democrats for the violence that has broken out at campus protests. Trump has repeatedly decried the protesters as being part of the “radical left” and has called out Biden for his lack of intervention or objection to the campus protests as police have moved to quell demonstrations.
In the midst of international conflict, with the backdrop of the deadly war in Gaza igniting passions on both sides, Biden’s comments also hold foreign policy implications. He reiterated his support for Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas attacks, while also maintaining that his stance on the conflict remains unchanged despite the domestic fallout from campus protests.
Relevant articles:
– College protests live update: Biden condemns violence at protests , The Associated Press, 05/03/2024
– Biden condemns campus violence: ‘Order must prevail’, NBC News, 05/02/2024
– Biden: Violent protests ‘not protected’, The Hill, 05/02/2024