The College Democrats of America issued a statement supporting pro-Palestinian protesters at several universities and commending their “bravery.”
It praised the right to peaceful protest but did not address protesters at Columbia University smashing doors and barricading a building.
“There is nothing more American than the right to protest peacefully for what is right. The freedom of speech, assembly, and protest is not just one enshrined in our constitution, but one that has been a tradition in America for generations, ranging from movements surrounding Civil Rights, the Vietnam War, LGBTQ equality, and more recently Climate Change,” The College Democrats wrote.
“In the early hours of Tuesday morning, anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University took control of Hamilton Hall, an academic building on campus, and were captured on video smashing the glass doors, bringing barricades into the building, and hanging pro-Palestinian banners from the windows.”
“In the aftermath of the occupation, Columbia University restricted access to its campus for the remainder of the semester and threatened to expel the students currently occupying the encampment,” they wrote.
While acknowledging support for peace, the statement criticized Biden for supporting Israel and did not condemn calls for violence against Jewish or Muslim students.
It came as universities restricted access in response to encampments formed after Hamas killed over 1,200 Israelis in October 2023, leading to increased antisemitic incidents.
The College Democrats positioned themselves in solidarity with students protesting for Palestinian rights and dignity but avoided condemning the violent protest actions.
“We commend the bravery of students across the country who have been willing to endure arrests, suspension, and threats of expulsion to stand up for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people,” The College Democrats wrote.
