‘Violent protest is not protected’: President Biden responds to nationwide college protests

This week President Joe Biden addressed the escalating pro-Palestinian demonstrations on American campuses. Demonstrations that have led to more than 2000 arrests on college campuses across the country.& “Dissent is essential for democracy,” Biden said. “But dissent must never lead to disorder.” His remarks, delivered at the White House, marked his first public statement on the issue since April 22, when he briefly addressed reporters. “In moments like this, there are always those who rush in to score political points. But this isn’t a moment for politics. It’s a moment for clarity,” Biden said. “So let me be clear. Violent protest is not protected; peaceful protest is.”& On Oct. 7, Israel’s right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declared a deadly war on Hamas. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, the attack has resulted in over 34,000 Palestinian deaths. The invasion has received global scrutiny, including from President Biden himself. However, billions from the United States and the Biden Administration have been sent to Israel, further fueling the destruction.& Protests have taken college campuses by storm in recent weeks, and so have the number of arrests. Protestors are calling for American universities to divest from companies that have financial...