Student protests on university campuses in the United States and Europe mark a new day in the social consciousness of many in this generation. For those directly involved, and even for those who followed developments in the news and in social media, the experience engendered a heightened sense of being part of an interrelated global community. Social consciousness is closely associated with worldview transformation, and this causes one observer to gauge these demonstrations as highly significant, and as indicative of lasting changes taking place among the youth in Western societies.
After more than seventy-five years of Israeli occupation, on October 7, 2023, the Palestinian resistance launch an operation against the Israeli regime. Over 200 Israelis were taken as captives and over a thousand killed, many by the Israeli regime itself.
This was followed by an Israeli invasion of Gaza and a relentless and brutal offensive intended to eradicate the military capabilities of Hamas. To date 38,000 Palestinians have been killed, 86,000 injured, and more than 1.9 million displaced. Though many governments have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the United States, Britain, and others in the NATO alliance have stood aside as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) completely disrupted life in Gaza, decimating the infrastructure and making most of Gaza uninhabitable. Many people from around the world have witnessed the carnage in disbelief, feeling helpless and confused, and profoundly troubled by the reports. This has particularly affected students, many from premier universities, who have taken a personal interest in these events, and have insisted that their voices be heard.
Research shows that there has been continuous pro-Palestinian protest activity at over 500 campuses, including encampments at more than 130 of these. The arrest of more than 100 students at Columbia University in New York City in April 2024 amplified the protests and caused many to join the demonstrations and to demand the right to free speech. This disrupted classes and graduation ceremonies and helped to make the Palestinian cause a factor in the upcoming presidential elections. This degree of concern and public debate is completely unprecedented in American history.
In assessing the student demonstrations, it is important to recall some of the characteristics associated with this generation, known as Gen Z. They are digital natives, who have practically no memory of the world before smartphones and immediate access to technology and social media. Gen Z is also famously tribal, meaning elicit guidance from their group of friends, whether in person or online, more than from any other source. Values and ethical positions tend to be discussed and settled in this way. In other words, interconnectivity is at all-time high.
Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous one yet. They grew up with television and educational programing that emphasized the social inclusiveness of all, regardless of race, religion, gender, and sexuality. Though these have not been fully actuated, there is an expectation to social and religious pluralism as a moral good, that is regarded as normative. This coincided, however, with an increase in Muslin population in the United States and the legacy of the War on Terror. There were more Muslims in the community, but the media consistently portrayed Muslim societies as violent, dangerous, and in opposition to human rights and American values. In America, and in some European countries, there has been an increase in social and political polarization, but it is yet to be seen whether this will be the case among Gen Z in general, and among university students in particular. Will this generation champion the equal rights for all and a positive peace that takes the needs of into consideration? This is yet to be seen.
The central demand from these actions have been to call for an end to the hostilities in Gaza, for Palestinians to have the right of self-determination, and for universities to disclose and divest from industries that benefit Israel or weapons manufacturers. Protestors have vehemently stated that the protests are not antisemitic or otherwise aimed at Jewish people, but rather against the policies of Israel in Gaza. Institutions and counter demonstrations have similarly stated that their aim is not Islamophobic or against the rights of Palestinians. Nevertheless, as Forbes magazine noted, universities face a “tidal wave” of lawsuits over the Gaza protests. Even a cursory glance of The Chronicle of Higher Education reveals the pressure faced by university leadership and faculty, and government policy makers, in the wake of the student protests. There are fears that the protests will continue and even escalate. There are fears that university administrations will attempt to limit the freedom of speech by faculty and students. There are also concerns that the government will seek to pressure institutions, as was the case for the presidents of Harvard, MIT, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania.
In my opinion, the students most involved and concerned were those personal connections to those affected by the events in Gaza or to those who joined in the demonstrations. Regardless of how they became involved, one outcome of these actions has been to dramatically increase the political cost of unilateral support for Israel as opposed to a more balanced approach to the Middle East. Some were highly informed and cared deeply about the structural violence experienced by Palestinians over the past 75 years, whether in Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, and elsewhere. Others recently learned about the issues and were greatly disturbed by what they could see. One concern about this newly found zeal, however, is that it draws from a limited understanding of the context and issues. The history of the Middle East is not central to the school or university curriculums. Students know very little about these societies. A second concern is that attention to the region, and the plight of those suffer, can be short lived. Over the past year students have been stirred to care about the needs of others, to think about global issues, and to become informed about how money invested locally – such as in university endowments – has repercussions upon the lives of others. They are learning about religious and cultural differences and compelled to measure the cost of taking a stand for one’s commitments. These were linked to the plight of Palestinians, but also to broader social and political issues, and the foundational rights of a democracy.
For many, this was an experience of social consciousness or being part of a movement and bonding with people that previously unknown to stand for a common cause. This forms new bonds of solidarity and challenges previously held views. This can be a change of worldview, from seeing one community in a negative light, or association with a political party, or a reconfiguration of one’s personal goals or sense of purpose. The experience of solidarity, or standing together for a cause, can be formative in a person’s life, setting them upon a different trajectory. Gen Z is also known as being more concerned with financial security and materialistic gain than its predecessors. Many are concern by the decrease in moral values and public service. Perhaps experiences such as these will awaken some to greater empathy and compassion, and to a higher purpose.
There is a wave of nationalism sweeping over the US and Europe. This is a year of elections and Gaza will be highly politicized and linked together with other social and political issues. There is a resistance to immigration, the fear of unemployment, and a general desire to protect the privileges of wealth. In such a time, many could forget the desperate needs of the millions of Palestinians, and of others ravaged by war such as those in Sudan and Ukraine. The debates will disassociate the human cost from the political and depersonalize those most directly affected. As an educator, I see this as an important crossroads in the human development of this generation. They have been spurred to action, to take risks, to take a stance, and this is good. They must learn to do this well, and with respect, and to conduct themselves in a manner that can ultimately see lasting change that marries justice and peace for all. What must be taught is not an illusionary vision, but rather a practical way of living that respects differences and yet insists on peaceful coexistence.
Foundational beliefs among the Abrahamic faiths call for compassion, mercy, and understanding. My hope is that the events of this past year will cause a spiritual awakening in this generation. That many will seek the Almighty and find the path to life. Religious leaders should take bold action in alleviating suffering and ending the structural violence that continues to exacerbate poverty in much of the world. Another shared belief is the dignity of every soul. Each person, every human being is created in the image of God and worthy of love and dignity. My hope and prayer are that the experiences of students this year will be steps towards a lasting peace, and a greater sense of the interconnected nature of the human family.
Charles Ramsey, PhD-Associate Chaplain, Baylor University US
