Student protesters at Harvard University sparked a controversy this week when Palestinian flags were raised over the iconic John Harvard statue, after whom the prestigious US university is named. The act was seen as a provocative display of support for Palestine in the ivy college amid Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Saturday’s incident unfolded when a group of protesters hoisted the flags over the John Harvard statue, a site typically reserved for the American flag or flags of visiting foreign dignitaries. As the flags fluttered in the breeze, chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” echoed across the Yard, according to The Harvard Crimson.
Palestinian flag raised at Harvard University in place of the American flag.
Harvard has been conquered.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 28, 2024
‘VIOLATION OF UNIVERSITY POLICY’
Harvard spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain condemned the action as “a violation of University policy,” saying that those involved would face disciplinary action. Despite the removal of the flags by Harvard staff, tensions escalated as protesters voiced their dissent, leading to a standoff with administrators.
The threat of disciplinary action, including the withholding of degrees, looms large over the protesters, particularly as Harvard’s commencement ceremonies draw near. The encampment, which began earlier in the week, has become a focal point of dissent, with hundreds of students among those facing potential repercussions for the continued protest.
