The recent events at Columbia, Brown, and Northwestern Universities have highlighted a concerning trend of coddling protestors rather than holding them accountable for their actions. While Columbia ultimately resorted to police intervention to disperse unruly demonstrators, Brown and Northwestern took a different approach, making concessions that raise questions about their commitment to upholding order and discipline on campus.
Northwestern, for instance, struck a deal with protestors to remove most tents from the campus, allowing peaceful protests to continue under certain conditions. However, this agreement raises eyebrows with its provisions, such as prior approval for sound amplification and restrictions on who can participate in demonstrations. The university’s pledge to condemn doxing and interfere in job offers for protestors engaging in protected speech seems like an overstep into private matters and undermines the principle of personal responsibility.
In exchange for protestors’ compliance, Northwestern agreed to reinstate an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility and offer support and accommodations to MENA/Muslim students, including funding visiting faculty members and providing housing. While supporting students’ needs is important, the university’s approach raises concerns about prioritizing certain groups over others and potentially enabling disruptive behavior without consequences.
Similarly, Brown University opted to end an encampment by demonstrators but refrained from taking disciplinary action against those involved, citing an agreement that essentially absolves them of accountability. This leniency sends a troubling message that disruptive behavior may be tolerated without repercussions, setting a concerning precedent for campus conduct and accountability.
The recent clashes at UCLA involving anti-Semitic protestors further underscore the challenges universities face in maintaining order and protecting all students’ rights. The comparison of protestors’ experiences to war victims in Gaza is both inflammatory and disrespectful, highlighting the need for responsible discourse and adherence to campus conduct codes.
Overall, these incidents raise questions about the balance between free speech rights and maintaining a safe and orderly campus environment. While universities should encourage open dialogue and peaceful protest, they must also uphold standards of conduct and accountability for all members of the campus community, regardless of their viewpoints or affiliations.
