Student protests: From Vietnam to Palestine, a legacy of change

The recent wave of campus protests in the US advocating for Palestinian rights just goes to show how strong and enduring student voices can be.

Whether pushing back against international conflicts or fighting for social justice on their turf, student activists have consistently been at the forefront of societal transformation.

The Vietnam Era: A turning point in student activism

Let's rewind to the 1960s and '70s when US campuses were erupting with resistance against the Vietnam War.

This wasn't just your average protest against foreign policy; it was a profound questioning of authority and ethical governance.

The Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) were at the heart of it, organising massive demonstrations and sparking a nationwide student strike, particularly after the tragic shootings at Kent State, where four students lost their lives to National Guard gunfire.

These protests were marked by iconic moments like the march on the Pentagon in 1967, where tens of thousands of students gathered to protest against the escalation of the war.

The SDS and other groups like the Vietnam Veterans Against the War brought the brutal realities of the conflict into public view, eventually shifting public opinion and influencing the US government's withdrawal from Vietnam.

This era was a game-changer, showing just how much influence students could wield over national policy and public opinion, paving the way for the powerful movements that followed.

Civil rights and beyond

As we travel through the decades, it’s clear that the fervour of activism found a solid base in the Civil Rights Movement.

Students didn’t just sit back; they sat at segregated lunch counters, registered voters, and boarded buses to ride across the South, challenging the deeply entrenched Jim Crow laws.

"The courage and commitment of these young activists were instrumental in bringing about key legislative changes"

They organised Freedom Rides and voter registration drives that were pivotal in the struggle against racial segregation and discrimination.

This period also saw the rise of influential student organisations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which played a crucial role in the civil rights campaigns of the 1960s.

The courage and commitment of these young activists were instrumental in bringing about key legislative changes, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The spirit of activism mirrored the Black Lives Matter movement, which, while not exclusively a student movement, has been heavily influenced and driven by the youthful energy and voices on college campuses.

It’s a stark reminder of how the quest for equality has morphed and expanded over time, fueled by the relentless passion and idealism of the younger generations.

The birth of the Free Speech Movement at Berkeley

In addition to the civil rights and anti-war movements, the 1960s also witnessed the birth of the Free Speech Movement (FSM) at the University of California, Berkeley.

It began in 1964 when students, led by activist Mario Savio, protested the university's restrictions on political activities on campus.

"The sit-ins and mass arrests at Berkeley became a symbol of student resistance and had a lasting impact on university policies nationwide"

The movement quickly escalated, with students insisting on their right to free speech and academic freedom. The FSM marked a significant moment in student activism, as it not only fought for the right to political expression on campus but also laid the groundwork for future student-led protests across the country.

The sit-ins and mass arrests at Berkeley became a symbol of student resistance and had a lasting impact on university policies nationwide, highlighting the growing demand for student involvement in institutional governance and policy-making.

Anti-Apartheid Movement in the 1980s

During the 1980s, the anti-apartheid movement became a significant force on campuses across the globe as students rallied against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Demonstrators called for their universities to divest from South Africa, exerting economic pressure to end racial segregation and discrimination.

This movement was instrumental in galvanising international support and raising awareness, contributing to the eventual dismantling of apartheid policies.

The rise of Environmental and Economic Justice Movements

In more recent years, the environmental movement has taken centre stage on campuses worldwide, with students advocating for urgent action on climate change.

Initiatives like the Fossil Free campaign have pushed for universities to divest from fossil fuel companies, linking environmental sustainability to institutional practices.

Similarly, the Occupy movement, which started in 2011, resonated strongly on college campuses, highlighting issues of economic inequality and corporate influence on democracy.

Students played a pivotal role in these protests, emphasising a more equitable distribution of resources and a shift towards a more inclusive decision-making process in economic policies.

Today's voice: The pro-Palestine protests

The ongoing pro-Palestine protests on college campuses across the U.S. have opened up a significant new chapter in the long history of student activism, which has intensified amid Israel's war on Gaza.

"These students are pushing their schools to cut financial ties with Israeli entities and corporations involved in military actions against Palestinians"

Universities like New York University, Yale, and Columbia are witnessing students lead a forceful charge with sit-ins, building occupations, and encampments.

These aren't just demonstrations against foreign policy; these students are pushing their schools to cut financial ties with Israeli entities and corporations involved in military actions against Palestinians.

At New York University, the scene was particularly intense. A large gathering of student and faculty protesters at Gould Plaza led to a significant standoff with the police, resulting in 120 arrests following the university's call to disband the protest.

This crackdown sparked a heated debate about the suppression of political speech on campus, highlighting the tension and chaos of the situation, especially after the New York Police Department had to correct their initially reported arrest figures to The Washington Post.

The drama was similar at the University of Minnesota, where students inspired by their peers at Yale, NYU, and Columbia, set up colourful encampments right in front of the Walter Library.

Their list of demands was crystal clear: the university should sever all financial and academic relationships with Israeli institutions, cease study abroad programmes in Israel, and ban campus recruitment by weapons manufacturers.

The arrival of the police and the subsequent arrest of nine steadfast protesters who chose to stay put despite warnings vividly underscored the growing friction between student activists and university authorities.

Over at Columbia University, the administration's decision to dismantle a tent encampment through police intervention led to over 100 arrests, igniting a storm of criticism.

"What we're witnessing isn't just a bunch of random campus events. It's part of a deep-rooted tradition of student activism that's all about shaking up the status quo and driving real change"

The university's move to mandate hybrid classes has put Columbia's leadership under severe scrutiny. Critics argue that the university is quashing free speech and censoring political protests.

These campus protests, though primarily focused on solidarity with Palestine and the demand for divestment from entities supporting Israeli military operations, also shed light on the complex dynamics of campus activism.

They have sparked criticism from Zionists and some pro-Israel US politicians for allegedly fostering antisemitism but have also been commended for perpetuating a tradition of student involvement in pressing global human rights issues.

As these protests prompt universities to reevaluate their political activism policies, they are also stirring a broader national debate about the role of higher education institutions in geopolitical conflicts, balancing disruption concerns with the need to uphold free expression and academic freedom.

Amid these campus-wide protests, the role of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) has been particularly significant.

Established in the early 1990s, SJP has expanded its presence across many universities, advocating vigorously for Palestinian rights and the cessation of Israeli occupation.

This group not only educates peers about the Palestinian struggle through events and protests but also champions the global Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, aiming to leverage non-violent means to influence Israeli policies.

SJP's efforts to mobilise students and faculty often culminate in significant events like Israeli Apartheid Week, which plays a crucial role in fostering campus dialogue and understanding of the complex Palestinian issue.

What we're witnessing isn't just a bunch of random campus events. It's part of a deep-rooted tradition of student activism that's all about shaking up the status quo and driving real change.

Powerful catalysts

From the anti-war rallies of the Vietnam era to the civil rights sit-ins, and now to the contemporary marches for Palestinian rights, it’s clear that students have been — and continue to be — powerful catalysts for major shifts in society.

These movements do more than just shake things up — they also inspire and educate. They serve as a training ground for the next wave of leaders and innovators.

And even though not every protest leads to instant change, the ongoing impact of these student voices is profound and far-reaching.

Student activism is often chaotic, but always driven by passion, and essential. Looking back at the history of student movements, it’s evident that when students raise their voices, they lay the foundation for future change.

They push us to reconsider our values, to challenge our preconceptions, and to face up to the uncomfortable truths.

That’s something we all need to tune into, whether we're students, teachers, or simply someone interested in the direction our society is taking.