Students at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, known as Sciences Po, have intensified their pro-Palestinian protests by blocking campus buildings and defying police orders. The protests, inspired by similar actions at U.S. universities, resumed after a brief hiatus due to police intervention. Protesters, mainly students, used trash cans and wooden platforms to barricade a central building and displayed Palestinian flags prominently.
The demonstrations reflect the ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and have drawn attention to the broader issue of university affiliations with Israeli institutions. Amidst escalating chants and placards, the day culminated in a standoff between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators, necessitating police intervention to prevent clashes.
The university administration has responded by moving classes online and condemning the disruptions, which they say hinder the educational process and unfairly impact students and staff. Despite this, the protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations, demanding that the university sever ties with Israeli academic institutions and calling for broader changes in France’s stance on the Gaza conflict.
So…:
What actions must you take to support your students?
Source & Picture: