Tensions flared at Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Monday as pro-Palestinian demonstrators stood their ground against the university’s order to vacate their encampment, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
The ongoing protests have disrupted university commencements, with Columbia University even canceling its main ceremony due to the activism alongside the traditional celebrations.
Demonstrations, which have resulted in police interventions and numerous arrests across California campuses, spilled into graduation events, briefly interrupting some ceremonies over the weekend.
The situation at Massachusetts Institute of Technology escalated as protesters defied the 2:30 p.m. deadline to clear their encampment. Confrontations ensued, with additional support pouring in from high school students.
Protesters obstructed a major road near the Cambridge campus during rush hour, causing significant traffic disruptions. They also dismantled metal fencing meant to separate them from pro-Israel counterprotesters.
At the University of California, Santa Cruz, protesters have issued demands, including cutting ties with Hillel International and other Jewish organizations, as part of their call to sever connections with “zionist institutions.” Hillel, which operates on numerous campuses worldwide, is facing scrutiny amid the ongoing protests.
