As the academic year ends, pro-Palestinian protests are resurfacing at colleges across the U.S., though they’re smaller than last spring. However, the stakes are now much higher.

Last year, more than 2,100 arrests were made during college protests. This time, the demonstrations are more spread out and involve fewer participants. But due to the actions of President Donald Trump’s administration, colleges face increased federal scrutiny. Investigations are underway at several campuses, and federal research funding has been frozen for some institutions accused of mishandling protests or failing to address antisemitism.

What Are Protesters Demanding?

Protesters want colleges to cut financial ties with Israel and companies that supply weapons or support to the Israeli military.

At Columbia University, students recently took over a library demanding that the school divest from Israeli-linked companies, offer amnesty to disciplined students and staff, and ban police and immigration officers from campus. About 80 people were arrested.

At the University of Washington, students demanded the school cut ties with Boeing, a supplier to the Israeli Defense Forces. They also called for Boeing donations to be returned and Boeing employees to be removed from teaching roles. Thirty people were arrested there.

Similar protests have taken place at Rutgers University, Swarthmore College, Brooklyn College, and UCLA.

Why Now?

According to NYU professor Robert Cohen, the protests may be driven by recent developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has hinted at escalating the war. With the semester ending, students may see this as their last opportunity to speak out.

However, Cohen notes that while activism still exists, the larger student movement has lost momentum. Strict university policies and fear of punishment may be deterring broader participation.

“You have a small core of active students,” Cohen said. “The big movement has been suppressed.”

Higher Stakes for Colleges

Colleges are under pressure. If they don’t handle protests according to new federal guidelines, they risk losing federal research grants.

The Trump administration has especially targeted universities like Columbia and Harvard, demanding tougher actions against pro-Palestinian demonstrations and requiring changes to diversity and equity policies.

Following the University of Washington protest, a federal antisemitism task force launched an investigation. It supported the quick police response and urged campus leaders to introduce new policies to prevent similar actions in the future.

There’s also concern for international students, who could face deportation if tied to these protests.

Colleges Respond with Stricter Measures

Columbia University suspended 65 students and banned 33 others from campus after the library protest. The university’s firm response was praised by the federal task force.

In response to federal pressure, Columbia had already agreed to:

• Ban face masks used during protests
• Hire public safety officers with arrest powers

At the University of Washington, 21 students were suspended after the Boeing protest.