Cutting ties would not have a direct impact the war, but demonstrators believe it would send a wider message against Israel’s attack Gaza. Pro-Palestinian campus groups have made this request for years, calling for institutions to support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Protests have also been occurring around the world since the October 7 attacks from Hamas. Some demonstrations have also caused concerns about rising antisemitism. Then, in April, the president of the Columbia University in New York City testified before Congress about combating antisemitism at the university. Students set up camp on the campus in protest against her speech, sparking a police intervention to disband the demonstrations.
