1. United States
2. Letter

I must express deep concern over the disturbing actions taken against peaceful student protesters advocating for Palestinian rights. Deploying heavily armed police to violently dismantle encampments and arrest over 130 individuals at UCLA alone is an excessive and unacceptable response to non-violent demonstrations. Students are rightly using their constitutional right to protest against the ongoing war on Gaza, which has claimed over 34,500 Palestinian lives and prompted warnings of potential genocide from the United Nations. Dismissing these protests as merely "causing chaos" dismisses the moral urgency driving this movement. Young people understand the gravity of the situation in Gaza and are rightfully outraged by the humanitarian crisis and loss of life. Attempting to silence their voices through force will only further alienate an entire generation from the political process. I urge you to reconsider the harsh crackdown on these protests. Respect the rights of students to freely express dissent and organize in defense of human rights. Meet their concerns with open dialogue, not armed confrontation. The path forward lies in protecting free speech and working to end the violence in Gaza, not in doubling down on policies that have proved so destructive. Heed the voices of the youth, for they fight not just for Palestinians but for the future we all share.