J Street Responds to Recent Anti-War Protests on Campuses

Washington DC – In response to recent protests at universities, which have resulted in dozens of arrests, J Street U Director Erin Beiner released the following statement: 

“While students are rightfully outraged by the ongoing violence and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the recent methods of protest on campus – occupying buildings, vandalism and destruction of property – are counterproductive and harmful to our community and ensuring our campuses are a conducive learning environment for all students. 

These unlawful acts at demonstrations not only deprive fellow students of their right to education and create unnecessary division, but also provide the Trump Administration with ammunition to justify their ongoing authoritarian attacks on higher education and international students. Protestors must find ways to stand against the humanitarian disaster in Gaza that don’t sacrifice the academic environment or play into the hands of those who seek to undermine our democratic norms.”