A Cornell University professor, previously criticized for praising Hamas terror attacks, joins an anti-Israel march on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC). The protest features vandalism and spray-painted messages condemning Israel and UNC, sparking unrest and counter-protests.
In a resurgence of campus unrest, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC) witnessed a contentious anti-Israel walkout led by UNC Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). Over 200 students and staff participated in the "Walkout for the West Bank," donning protest signs and chanting slogans condemning Israel.
Anti-Israel Protests Resurface at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
The protesters marched through campus buildings, spray-painting messages such as "Free Gaza," "F—K UNC," and "Israel is a terror state." They demanded that the university reject Israel and its alleged brutality towards students. Speeches and chants echoed throughout campus hallways, calling for divestment and disclosure from the university.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, anti-Israel protesters vandalized the UNC NROTC Naval Armory building with graffiti and draped a Palestinian flag from the gun turret. The American flag outside the building was also briefly removed, prompting a swift response from campus police who restored it within the hour.
Anti-Israel Protests Resurface at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Campus unrest has been simmering at UNC since last school year, with the "Gaza solidarity encampment" removed by police in April. The current protests follow a similar pattern, reflecting a growing anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses.
The protest took an unexpected turn when SJP members engaged in a physical altercation with counter-protesters. One SJP member claimed that their phone was taken and thrown into the street. Police were present on campus due to a separate emergency preparedness event and intervened to restore order.
Anti-Israel Protests Resurface at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
UNC officials did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The university told the student newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel, that they had not received reports of any arrests.
UNC Students for Justice in Palestine has demanded that UNC boycott "corporations and programs supporting Israel, including study abroad programs," and disclose and divest its investments. The university has been grappling with campus unrest stemming from anti-Israel protests, particularly after fraternity brothers famously defended the American flag from being replaced with the Palestinian flag last spring.
The flag-defending fraternity brothers received widespread support, resulting in a GoFundMe page raising over $500,000 for a "rager" celebration. Country singer John Rich hosted a concert in their honor on Labor Day, featuring multiple artists and bands. The event served as a reminder of the community's unwavering support for patriotic values.
The anti-Israel protests at UNC-Chapel Hill highlight the ongoing tensions and ideological divide surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses. As protests continue, universities are challenged to balance the right to freedom of expression with maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
