‘A police state’: US universities impose rules to avoid repeat of Gaza protests

University administrators are considering bringing in peace officers’ with the authority to arrest students.

Columbia University president Minouche Shafik resigned this week in the wake of criticism for her handling of the protests.

Anti-Palestinian student activists have been taking “summer school” with seasoned organizers and pledging to resume fierce protests.

The University of Michigan introduced a new “disruptive activity policy” that has not been implemented.

University of Illinois imposed restrictions on the use of “event tents, tables, walls, outdoor displays, inflatables, freestanding signs, huts, sculptures, booths, facilities, flashing or rotating lights, illuminated signs, or similar objects and structures” Other schools, like Case Western Reserve University , in Ohio , introduced a seven-day notice requirement for any demonstrations.

As tensions over the war in Gaza have escalated, several schools have introduced initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue.

Before resigning, Shafik had promised a “vigorous” program of antisemitism training for faculty, staff and students in the fall .

Students are already planning ways to get around new protest restrictions.