University Protests Over Israel-Hamas Conflict: Arrests at UT Austin, USC and Indiana University, Free Speech vs Safety Debate

Austin, Texas United States of America
At least 55 arrests were made at UT Austin and nearly 100 at USC.
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state troopers to clear pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Texas campus, leading to dozens of arrests.
Protests led to cancellations of events and debates over free speech vs safety on campus.
University of Texas Austin and the University of Southern California (USC) faced protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
University Protests Over Israel-Hamas Conflict: Arrests at UT Austin, USC and Indiana University, Free Speech vs Safety Debate

In recent days, two universities in the United States have faced significant disruptions due to protests related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The University of Texas Austin and the University of Southern California (USC) have both experienced protests that led to arrests and cancellations of events.

At the University of Texas Austin, leaders gave an 'interim suspension' to the Palestine Solidarity Committee after multiple attempts to meet with student organizers were ignored. The university also reached out to Muslim community leaders at the Nueces Mosque on protest day for ongoing dialog. However, despite these efforts, protests led to at least 55 arrests and national controversy.

Meanwhile, USC canceled its 'main stage' graduation ceremony due to anti-Israel protests that shut down the campus. Protests have been ongoing for over a month in response to the cancellation of a valedictorian's speech and other rallies opposing Israel's war in Gaza. Nearly 100 students were arrested during these protests.

Both universities have faced criticism and praise for their handling of the situations. Some argue that they are protecting free speech, while others believe they are caving to campus terrorists.

Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas ordered more than 100 state troopers to clear pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Texas campus, leading to dozens of arrests. Abbott has been positioning himself as one of the most assertive red-state governors in America and was eager for a fight with the political left under the national spotlight.

At Indiana University Bloomington, 33 protesters were arrested as police with shields and batons pushed into a line of protesters. Students are demanding that schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies enabling the conflict.

The US Education Department has urged colleges to protect free speech while ensuring safety on campus. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also weighed in, stating that universities must balance the First Amendment rights of students with public safety concerns.

As protests against the Israel-Hamas war continue to grow, colleges and universities across the country are grappling with how to handle these situations. Some schools have called in police to break up demonstrations, while others are content to wait out student protests as final exams approach.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • Are there any recent studies or data that show a correlation between campus protests and long-term changes in university policies related to the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Sources

59%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

USC sparks backlash for canceling main stage commencement ceremony: 'Caving to campus terrorists'

Fox News Media Joseph Wulfsohn Friday, 26 April 2024 05:45
  • Unique Points
    • USC canceled its main stage commencement ceremony for 2024 graduates due to anti-Israel protests that shut down the campus.
    • A demonstrator confronts a security officer during a protest on the University of Southern California campus.
    • USC faced backlash earlier this month for barring its valedictorian, Muslim biomedical engineering student Asna Tabassum, from speaking at the commencement ceremony over safety concerns after her critics accused her of promoting anti-Israel rhetoric on social media.
  • Accuracy
    • ,
    • Gov. Abbott ordered more than 100 state troopers to clear pro-Palestinian protesters from a lawn on the University of Texas campus, leading to dozens of arrests.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article by Joseph Wulfsohn contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author only reports details that support his position against USC's decision to cancel the main stage commencement ceremony due to anti-Israel protests. He quotes several critics who share his opinion and uses emotive language like 'disgrace,' 'beyond unacceptable,' and 'caving to campus terrorists.' The author does not provide any counterarguments or perspectives that challenge his position, making the article biased.
    • ‘Students, family, and friends all look forward to celebrating graduation. Now because of the pro-Hamas mob, they can’t.',
    • ‘Pro-Hamas ‘protesters’ have wreaked havoc on one of America’s great universities. As a result, USC is canceling its main commencement, a long-standing tradition celebrating all their hard-working students. This is beyond unacceptable',
    • Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin reported, ‘USC announces it is cancelling its main stage commencement ceremony. Comments shut off.',
    • ‘USC has gone from banning the student commencement speaker to canceling its entire graduation ceremony in a couple of weeks.’
    • Critics bashed the move on social media.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting and attributing statements to Bill Melugin, Marc Thiessen, Rep. Rudy Yakym, Rep. Mark Alford, and Tom Hearden without providing any context or evidence that these individuals are experts on the situation at USC or have any special knowledge about the cancellation of the commencement ceremony beyond what is publicly available in the article. This appeal to authority fallacy weakens the author's argument by relying on unsubstantiated opinions from others rather than presenting his own reasoning and evidence.
    • ][Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin] reported, 'USC announces it is cancelling its main stage commencement ceremony. Comments shut off. Brutal for the class of '24.'[]
    • '][Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen] told USC, 'Students, family, and friends all look forward to celebrating graduation. Now because of the pro-Hamas mob, they can’t.'[]
    • '][Rep. Rudy Yakym] said, 'Pro-Hamas ‘protesters’ have wreaked havoc on one of America’s great universities. As a result, USC is canceling its main commencement, a long-standing tradition celebrating all their hard-working students. This is beyond unacceptable.'[]
    • '][Rep. Mark Alford] reacted, 'USC has gone from banning the student commencement speaker to canceling its entire graduation ceremony in a couple of weeks.'[]
    • '][hedge fund manager Tom Hearden] wrote, 'Thanks for the $340k - we’ll mail u the diploma (maybe) I’d be pissed if I was a parent/grad.'[]
  • Bias (10%)
    The author expresses a clear bias against the protesters involved in the anti-Israel protests at USC. He uses language that depicts them as 'campus terrorists' and 'mob'. The author also quotes several individuals who share similar sentiments towards the protesters.
    • Caving to campus terrorists
      • have abandoned me
        • This is beyond unacceptable
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        76%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        Criticism, praise of Texas Gov. after dramatic use of troopers on protesters

        The Fixing Site: A Summary of the Article. Molly Hennessy-Fiske, Thursday, 25 April 2024 23:49
        • Unique Points
          • Gov. Greg Abbott ordered more than 100 state troopers to clear pro-Palestinian protesters from a lawn on the University of Texas campus, leading to dozens of arrests.
          • Abbott has been positioning himself as one of the most assertive red-state governors in America, eager for a fight with the political left under the national spotlight.
        • Accuracy
          • University of Texas Austin leaders gave an ‘interim suspension’ to the Palestine Solidarity Committee after multiple attempts to meet and quell the protest that led to at least 55 arrests.
          • At Indiana University Bloomington, 33 protesters were arrested as police with shields and batons pushed into a line of protesters.
        • Deception (30%)
          The article contains selective reporting as the author only reports details that support their position of Abbott's aggressiveness and disregard for free speech. They do not mention or quote any statements from Abbott explaining his reasoning behind the decision to clear the protesters, nor do they provide any context about the nature or size of the protest itself. The author also uses emotional manipulation by implying that Abbott's actions were unwarranted and unnecessary, and that he was seeking political gain. Additionally, there are instances of sensationalism with phrases like 'dramatic use of troopers', 'storm of broader scrutiny', and 'show of force'.
          • But the aggressiveness of the response has alarmed students, faculty, Democrats and even some Republicans who have previously sided with Abbott in his crusades to protect free speech on college campuses.
          • Critics were quick to note that Abbott proudly signed a law in 2019 that aimed to protect free speech on college campuses by guaranteeing anyone can protest in common outdoor areas as long as they are not breaking the law or disrupting the regular functioning of the school. That is precisely what those arrested Wednesday were doing, they said.
          • Protesters said the show of force ordered by Abbott was striking but not surprising.
          • The latest move by Abbott (R) to position himself as one of the most assertive red-state governors in America, eager for a fight with the political left under the national spotlight.
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The authors make an appeal to authority by quoting Abbott's statement about protecting free speech on college campuses and then criticizing him for not upholding that very same law in this instance. This is a fallacy because the authors are assuming that Abbott's previous statement holds absolute weight and applies to every situation, without considering the context or complexities of each individual case.
          • The third-term governor has already staked out a national reputation for his envelope-pushing policies to secure the Texas-Mexico border, including by busing migrants to Democratic-led cities. That is precisely what those arrested Wednesday were doing, they said.
          • Critics were quick to note, for example, that Abbott proudly signed a law in 2019 that aimed to protect free speech on college campuses by guaranteeing anyone can protest in common outdoor areas as long as they are not breaking the law or disrupting the regular functioning of the school. That is precisely what those arrested Wednesday were doing, they said.
        • Bias (80%)
          The authors use language that depicts Abbott as 'aggressive' and 'eager for a fight with the political left under the national spotlight'. They also quote critics who argue that Abbott's actions contradict his previous signing of a law to protect free speech on college campuses. These statements suggest a bias against Abbott and in favor of those critical of him.
          • Critics were quick to note, for example, that Abbott proudly signed a law in 2019 that aimed to protect free speech on college campuses by guaranteeing anyone can protest in common outdoor areas as long as they are not breaking the law or disrupting the regular functioning of the school. That is precisely what those arrested Wednesday were doing, they said.
            • The latest move by Abbott (R) to position himself as one of the most assertive red-state governors in America, eager for a fight with the political left under the national spotlight.
              • The latter reflected Abbott’s issuance last month of an executive order requiring public universities to revise their free speech policies to curb the ‘sharp rise in antisemitic speech and acts’ on campuses.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              96%

              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

              Leaked memo reveals inside details of UT’s protest response

              KXAN Inc. Ryan Chandler Friday, 26 April 2024 02:06
              • Unique Points
                • University of Texas Austin leaders gave an 'interim suspension' to the Palestine Solidarity Committee after multiple attempts to meet and quell the protest that led to at least 55 arrests.
                • University officials reached out to the student organization multiple times but they chose not to attend.
                • UT representatives visited the Nueces Mosque on protest day and had ongoing dialog with Muslim community leaders.
              • Accuracy
                • President Jay Hartzell called in the Texas Department of Public Safety who arrested dozens of students and one photojournalist.
                • Students and faculty called for President Hartzell’s resignation due to perceived abuse of power.
              • Deception (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Fallacies (95%)
                The author's assertions are mostly factual and do not contain any obvious logical fallacies. However, there is an instance of an appeal to authority when the author states 'UT leaders were well-aware of the disruption spurred by similar groups at Yale, Columbia, Rutgers, and more.' This implies that because other universities have had issues with protests in the past, UT's actions were justified. Additionally, there is a use of inflammatory rhetoric when quoting a leader of the PSC shouting 'egregious abuse of power by UT police will not be stood for and we will not accept it here at this campus.' This does not directly relate to any logical fallacy in the author's assertions, but it is worth noting.
                • UT leaders were well-aware of the disruption spurred by similar groups at Yale, Columbia, Rutgers, and more.
              • Bias (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              69%

              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

              USC cancels graduation ceremony and dozens are arrested on other campuses as anti-war protests grow

              The Associated Press News Thursday, 25 April 2024 07:04
              • Unique Points
                • The University of Southern California canceled its main graduation ceremony due to ongoing protests against the Israel-Hamas war that shut down the campus.
                • Dozens of college students have been arrested at other campuses across the US as protests continue to grow.
                • At Indiana University Bloomington, 33 protesters were arrested as police with shields and batons pushed into a line of protesters.
                • Students protesting the war are demanding schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies enabling the conflict.
              • Accuracy
                • The University of Southern California canceled its main graduation ceremony due to ongoing protests against the Israel-Hamas war.
              • Deception (30%)
                The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position of protests and arrests on college campuses. It does not provide any counter-arguments or perspectives from those who may oppose the protests or believe in free speech. The article also uses emotional manipulation by describing 'ugly scuffles' and 'hundreds of arrests', implying that these events are negative and undesirable.
                • Police arrested one protester and tore down tents at the University of Connecticut Thursday, while demonstrators at Stanford University rallied on a day when newly admitted students visited the campus.
                • College officials across the U.S. are worried the ongoing protests could disrupt plans for commencement ceremonies next month.
                • Dozens more college students were arrested at other campuses nationwide Thursday as protests against the Israel-Hamas war continued to spread.
              • Fallacies (80%)
                The article contains several instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to emotion. The author uses phrases like 'ugly scuffles,' 'hundreds of arrests,' and 'disrupt plans for commencement ceremonies next month' to elicit an emotional response from the reader. Additionally, the author quotes students using emotive language such as 'erupted in cheers' and 'feeling crushed.' These instances do not provide any logical argument or evidence to support the claims made in the article and therefore reduce its score.
                • hundreds of arrests
                • ugly scuffles
                • disrupt plans for commencement ceremonies next month
                • erupted in cheers
                • feeling crushed
              • Bias (50%)
                The article reports on protests against the Israel-Hamas war and mentions arrests of students at various universities. While the article does not express any bias itself, it does quote several individuals who may hold biased views. For example, some Jewish students are quoted as saying that the protests have veered into antisemitism and made them afraid to set foot on campus. This is a potential example of religious bias, but it is important to note that the article does not endorse or condone this viewpoint. Additionally, there is a disproportionate number of quotes from individuals who are critical of the protests and the universities' handling of them, which could be seen as reflecting a specific position. However, without more context or information about the authors' intentions or motivations, it is difficult to definitively determine if this represents a bias on the part of apnews.com.
                • Some Jewish students say the protests have veered into antisemitism and made them afraid to set foot on campus.
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication

                78%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                USC cancels 'main stage' graduation ceremony as campus becomes overrun by anti-Israel protests

                New York Post David Propper Thursday, 25 April 2024 23:34
                • Unique Points
                  • The University of Southern California (USC) cancelled its 'main stage' graduation ceremony on May 10, 2023 due to anti-Israel protests.
                  • Protests led to the arrests of nearly 100 students.
                  • New safety measures implemented this year were blamed for the cancellation and processing large number of guests would take too long.
                  • USC added new activities and celebrations instead, including places to gather with family, friends, faculty, and staff.
                  • Valedictorian Asna Tabassum was previously accused of promoting 'anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric' on social media.
                  • Tabassum’s Instagram account contained a link to a website about Palestine and how to help.
                  • Critics pointed to 'likes' on her Instagram account and comments on the anti-Israel website.
                  • Tabassum stood by her social media activity, stating she stands by the values USC taught her.
                  • Protests have been ongoing at USC for over a month in response to Tabassum not being able to speak and other rallies opposing Israel’s war in Gaza.
                • Accuracy
                  No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                • Deception (30%)
                  The article by David Propper contains selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author only reports details that support the anti-Israel protests being the reason for the cancellation of USC's main stage graduation ceremony, while omitting information about safety concerns and new measures put in place this year. Additionally, the author uses emotive language such as 'overrun with anti-Israel protests' and 'tense protest', which manipulates readers' emotions towards a particular viewpoint.
                  • The university blamed new safety measures put in place this year for the cancellation of the 65,000-person ceremony at Alumni Park on May 10.
                  • Protests have been a consistent presence at USC over the last month.
                • Fallacies (85%)
                  The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting the Los Angeles Times and Reuters in reporting on the comments made on an anti-Israel website. This is not a fallacy as it is valid to report on statements made by others, but it does weaken the credibility of the article slightly as there are no direct quotes or attribution to specific individuals making these comments. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric in describing the protests and actions taken on campus as 'overrun' and 'tense protest' without providing any evidence or context for these descriptions.
                  • ]One Palestinian state would mean Palestinian liberation and the complete abolishment of the state of Israel[
                  • Zionism is a racist settler-colonialist ideology[
                • Bias (80%)
                  The author uses language that depicts the protesters as extreme or unreasonable by describing their views as 'anti-Israel protests that have led to the arrests of nearly 100 students' and 'protests have been a consistent presence at USC over the last month'. The author also quotes critics who use strong language against Zionism, but does not provide any context or counterargument.
                  • 'anti-Israel protests that have led to the arrests of nearly 100 students'
                    • Protests have been a consistent presence at USC over the last month.
                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                      None Found At Time Of Publication