College students across the country are voicing their concerns to Fox News Digital as they anticipate another wave of anti-Israel protests on their campuses.
“There is currently tension between student groups on campus,” NYU's Vivian told Fox News Digital. “Protests will undoubtedly occur, but they will likely look different than they did last semester because there are few places on campus where students can physically gather.”
“It was a little scary” for Lily, a University of Tennessee student, as she walked past an anti-Israel protest.
“I was just trying to concentrate on myself, to go to class, and they were filming me and screaming in my face… it was intense,” Lilly said.
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College students spoke to Fox News Digital about their concerns about expected anti-Israel protests this coming semester. (Fox News Digital, Spencer Pratt/Getty Images)
Students at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, praised the school's response to the protests. Some students told Fox News Digital that protesters on both sides of the conflict were “polite” and “peaceful,” while others said the university was “doing a really good job” of giving students a chance to express themselves.
But there are particular concerns about Jewish students and their safety on campus.
“I'm heartbroken by what I've seen across the country, and I especially feel sorry for Jewish students who are facing anti-Semitism,” said Dylan, a Marquette University law student.
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Riley, a student at the University of Houston, told Fox News Digital that she had seen anti-Semitic stickers on elevators on campus and said it “kind of worries me.”
Marina, a Jewish student at New York University, said she doesn't feel safe and further expressed concerns about anti-Semitism from teachers at her school.
“I had to miss some classes because I felt attacked not only by students but also by teachers who are supposed to support the students, so I think this is a big problem,” Marina said.
Los Angeles, USA – May 1, 2024: Anti-Israel students on the UCLA campus set up a camp in support of Gaza and protest against Israeli attacks on the country on May 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California, USA. (Grace Yun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Students who spoke to Fox News Digital expressed their opposition and support for the anti-Israel protests.
“I personally strongly disagree with everything they stand for,” Noah, the Tennessee student, said. “I know many other students here feel the same, and I know others who are very uncomfortable with the protesters who have shown up around campus and refused to leave.”
“I'm a supporter of Palestine, so I really hope that people continue to speak out about the genocide and continue to do the right thing,” said Cameron, of the University of Houston.
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Hundreds of people gathered at an anti-Israel camp at the University of Chicago. (Joseph A. Wolfson/Fox News Digital)
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While the war between Israel and Hamas remains a divisive issue in the United States, one thing the students agreed on was support for freedom of speech.
“At the end of the day, it's freedom of speech,” said the University of Tennessee's Jacks, “so as Americans, we can exercise it.”
“I want what's best and safe for all students on Marquette University's campus,” Antonio, a Marquette student, told Fox News Digital. “So they're trying to make sure everything stays peaceful and that everyone can respect each other's opinions. And that's the best thing you can do – respect everybody's opinions and listen to what they have to say. And if you have a change of heart, that's good. If not, stick to your ideas and your beliefs and carry on with it.”
Fox News' Joshua Nelson and Gabriel Hayes contributed to this report.
