Protestors at Swarthmore College Under Fire for Amplifying Their Voices
At Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, students are facing disciplinary charges for using a bullhorn to amplify their demands for the school to divest from Israel’s military-industrial complex. The Quaker-founded institution, known for promoting social justice, has come under scrutiny for its aggressive response to pro-Palestine activism.
Students, many of whom are Black and brown, are being accused of assault for simply making noise and protesting their college’s ties to genocide. The school’s crackdown on protest activities is seen as an attempt to stifle free speech.
Despite facing expulsion, students like Fatima refuse to back down. The administration’s actions have sparked outrage among faculty and students, who see the assault charges as part of a larger trend—targeting pro-Palestine activism.
Swarthmore’s response is not unique, as universities nationwide have escalated their crackdown on peaceful protests, portraying them as violent threats. By punishing students for using a bullhorn, the school risks compromising freedom of expression and silencing voices for justice.
In a time when social justice movements are gaining momentum, efforts to suppress dissent must be met with resistance. Swarthmore’s heavy-handed approach to student activism raises concerns about the future of free speech on college campuses.