The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has released a report detailing the alarming role of universities in targeting students protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza while fostering anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia. Rather than ensuring the safety of all students, many university administrators have silenced voices advocating for Palestinian human rights, enacted policies suppressing free speech, and even involved law enforcement to stifle peaceful demonstrations. These actions occur against a backdrop of intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza since October 2023, which have drawn international accusations of genocide and humanitarian law violations, resulting in over 34,500 Palestinian deaths by May 2024.
The report highlights the rising hostility on campuses, with Muslim students facing significant discrimination and universities ignoring or actively opposing student-led advocacy efforts. Administrators have canceled events, censored discussions, and condemned resolutions calling for divestment from companies supporting Israel’s actions. Students advocating for justice are increasingly exposed to external and internal Islamophobic attacks, with some political leaders advocating for violent measures like deploying the National Guard. CAIR warns that these trends threaten free speech, student safety, and the core values of higher education, urging universities to reform their approach to safeguard their commitments to human rights and open discourse.