Protesters were arrested at Yale, classes were canceled at Columbia, and Harvard Yard was closed to the public.

These actions came after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested at Columbia last week.

Protests have also occurred at other universities such as the University of Michigan, New York University, and MIT.

The protests have led to clashes between students, with pro-Palestinian students calling for their schools to condemn Israel's actions and divest from companies selling weapons to Israel.

Schools are grappling with the balance between free expression and maintaining a safe and inclusive campus.

Jewish students at Columbia University and other campuses feel unsafe due to criticism of Israel that they believe has turned into antisemitism.

Tensions reached a peak on Monday when the campus was locked down and protests occurred both on and off campus.

US Representative Kathy Manning, a Jewish Democrat from North Carolina, visited the campus and reported seeing a large encampment of protesters calling for the destruction of Israel.

A counter-protest also took place outside the campus gates.

Some Jewish students argue that Hamas is still holding hostages taken during their October invasion and that the criticism of Israel is unwarranted.

Protests over Israel's actions in Gaza roiled a university campus, leading to cancellations of in-person classes and calls for remote work.

University President Minouche Shafik expressed sadness and announced virtual learning for Monday to deescalate tensions.

The conflict began after Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 civilian deaths and approximately 34,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to different sources.

MIT graduate students, led by Prahlad Iyengar, set up a tent encampment on campus to protest MIT's complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza and demand a ceasefire.

Iyengar criticized MIT for not taking a clear stance and sending confusing rules about protests.

Meanwhile, Rabbi Elie Buechler recommended Jewish students go home for safety ahead of Passover due to the ongoing protests.

A 19-year-old Jewish student named Nicholas Baum living near Columbia University described weekend protests where some participants called for the destruction of Tel Aviv and Israel, and shouted antisemitic slurs.

The protest encampment began on Wednesday, the same day President Lee C.

Bollinger faced criticism at a congressional hearing for not doing enough to combat antisemitism.

Two other Ivy League presidents had previously resigned following similar hearings.

In a statement, Shafik acknowledged the conflict in the Middle East is terrible and expressed understanding for those experiencing moral distress.

University leaders at Columbia and Yale are working to resolve crises caused by student protests.

Some students have been suspended or arrested for participating in demonstrations.

At Columbia, students protested graduation milestones being disrupted.

At Yale, protesters called for the university to end investments in defense companies with Israel ties.

No timeline was given for when in-person classes will resume at either university.

Yale student Nadine Cubeisy, a protest organizer, expressed concern over the university's use of funds for alleged violence.

Yale President Peter Salovey spoke with protesters about school policies and guidelines, giving them a deadline to leave Beinecke Plaza.

Officials warned protesters of arrests and discipline, but they regathered and blocked a nearby street after Monday's arrests.

The University of Southern California (USC) canceled the commencement speech of its 2024 valedictorian due to security concerns.

The student had previously expressed support for Palestinians, which was praised by pro-Israel groups but criticized by free-speech advocates.

No reports of violence or injuries were mentioned in the text.