By Benay Blend
Support for Palestinian liberation on college campuses results in charges of antisemitism and ties to terrorism.
Discussions surrounding Palestinian rights are often met with severe backlash, labelling Palestinian-Americans and their supporters with derogatory terms. Amidst concerns over a potential second Trump presidency, the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 proposal outlines a troubling future. Quentin Young warns that a conservative government could pave the way for authoritarian policies.
Issues of war abroad are intrinsically linked to rights violations at home, as seen historically through acts like the Espionage Act during World War I. Modern criticisms of US policies regarding Israel and Palestinians echo McCarthyism, with dissenters facing accusations of antisemitism and terrorism ties.
Amidst continued violence in Gaza, the Biden administration’s stance on Palestinian self-determination remains contentious. As discussions on Palestine intersect with domestic reforms like police accountability, the complexity of American imperialism is starkly revealed.
Benay Blend, an American Studies scholar, contributed this article to The Palestine Chronicle.