The free speech debate over anti-Israel protests on college campuses has exploded into a national crisis. Harvard Professor Alan Dershowitz argues that universities must balance protecting students’ rights to speak freely with ensuring campus safety. His comments come as violent clashes and antisemitic incidents continue to disrupt schools nationwide.
Anti-Israel protesters have taken over quads, vandalized buildings, and chanted calls for Israel’s destruction. Jewish students report feeling threatened, with some hiding their identities to avoid harassment. Dershowitz warns that while free speech is sacred, schools cannot allow chaos or threats to spill into violence. He emphasizes that private companies like social media platforms have the right to moderate content, but public universities must uphold constitutional protections.
The protests have exposed deep flaws in campus leadership. University presidents initially hesitated to crack down on antisemitic rhetoric, fearing accusations of stifling free speech. This weak response allowed encampments to grow, leading to property damage and canceled graduations. Dershowitz criticizes this failure, noting that administrators have a duty to maintain order while respecting legal boundaries.
Conservative leaders argue the protests are less about free speech and more about spreading hatred. They point to videos of masked protesters assaulting Jewish students and chanting pro-Hamas slogans. Lawmakers in several states are pushing bills to cut funding for schools that tolerate antisemitism or refuse to disband illegal encampments.
Dershowitz highlights the double standard in campus activism. While universities swiftly condemn other forms of bigotry, they’ve dragged their feet on antisemitism. He warns that letting protesters dictate terms through intimidation sets a dangerous precedent. Schools must enforce clear rules to protect all students, not just those with the loudest voices.
The fallout is reshaping higher education. Donors are pulling funding, employers blacklist radical activists, and Jewish enrollment is dropping at protest-hit schools. States like Pennsylvania are passing laws to block boycotts of Israel, countering the anti-Israel movement’s demands. Dershowitz praises these measures as necessary to defend academic integrity.
Despite the turmoil, most Americans oppose the protesters’ tactics. Polls show strong support for universities restoring order and penalizing violence. Dershowitz urges schools to learn from this crisis by adopting neutral speech policies that prioritize safety over politics.
The campus chaos has become a wake-up call. As Dershowitz warns, free speech cannot be a license for anarchy. Universities must reclaim their campuses from radicals or risk losing public trust—and their federal funding.
