FALCON POWERS – For over two weeks, American universities have witnessed a surge of support for Palestinians and opposition to the war in Gaza, reminiscent of previous protest movements in the country, according to Harvard historian Julie Robin, who has been involved in student activism.
In her view, the “deep, emotionally charged divisions” regarding Gaza, as well as some universities calling upon the police to intervene on campuses, evoke similarities with past student protests against the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s.
Furthermore, today’s students are calling for their universities to sever all ties with companies or donors associated with Israel, aligning with similar demands made regarding the apartheid regime in South Africa. Reflecting on past student movements and protests in the United States, Robin stated, “The 1960s saw the largest era of student protests in the United States and several other countries. The first major wave began in 1964, and between 1968 and 1972, there were numerous protests. They particularly focused on civil rights, student rights, freedoms, and women’s rights, with Vietnam War being a major issue.”
She added, “No other period saw six years of intense protests on various issues across many campuses in the United States. It was a unique period. But since then, protests have become more regular. Sometimes they are localized and related to local issues, and sometimes they become nationwide movements, like the divestment protests against South Africa.”
When asked about comparing the current protests to past events, Robin explained that the call for divestment concerning South Africa faced significant resistance and required years of struggle to break universities’ affiliations.
