Supporting students during times of social and political activism is an essential aspect of academic responsibility. College faculty members often feel a duty to stand by their students, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected, even in the face of challenges such as arrests and suspensions. These actions reflect a commitment to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can be expressed and respected. It's a testament to the dedication of educators to uphold principles of free speech and academic freedom, even in contentious situations.



Annelise Orleck's experience highlights the intensity and gravity of recent protests on college campuses. As a seasoned professor of U.S. and Jewish history at Dartmouth College, her involvement in advocating for students during a demonstration took an unexpected turn. Confronting law enforcement to halt the arrests of students, she found herself in a distressing situation. The physical force used against her, including being thrown to the ground and having pressure applied to her back, echoes the broader tensions surrounding protests and the responses they provoke. Her ordeal underscores the complexities and risks faced by both faculty and students in exercising their rights to protest and dissent. Such incidents may indeed find their place in future textbooks as pivotal moments in the ongoing narrative of social and political activism.
College protests over Gaza war