The landscape of politics has always witnessed the ebb and flow of student protests, which have often left a far greater impression than the magnitude of participants would suggest. Although some might view this as more of an urban legend than fact, there’s no denying student activism has shifted paradigms on matters like civil rights, the Vietnam war, and apartheid. Yet older generations tend to romanticise their own ostensibly rebellious youth, unfavorably comparing it with today’s generation.
At present, the Anglophonic world is witnessing one of the largest student protest waves in years. The Israeli attack on Gaza, leading to the unfortunate demise of tens of thousands, including numerous women and children, has stimulated an outpouring of student sentiment. The demonstrations have been continuing for months, increasing recently with university building occupations and the establishment of camps on renowned university grounds globally.
In the United States, the situation has been worsened due to many university administrators requesting local law enforcement intervention. Consequently, several thousand demonstrators have been arrested in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
Contrastingly, Trinity College Dublin had a different experience this week. Students echoed their American counterparts by blocking city centre campus entryways and establishing a camp on the lawn of Fellows’ Square. Notably, they blocked access to the Book of Kells, a major tourist attraction and a key income source for the university.
By Wednesday, an agreement was reached between Trinity and the protestors. The university decided to divest from three Israeli firms and proposed a task force (comprising student and staff representatives) to discuss future divestment from companies linked to the occupied territories. Further academic spaces will be reserved for students from Gaza.
At first glance, these activists seem to have achieved a remarkable victory by fulfilling their primary objectives. Although some sceptics might label them as an unrepresentative minority, all signs suggest they enjoy strong backing from staff and students alike.
It’s apparent that the varying viewpoints on the Gaza conflict over here pale in comparison to the severe schisms it stirs up in the United States. Consequently, Trinity’s course has consistently hinted at a potential solution. Regardless, commendation is warranted for all sides for their avoidance of impractical stipulations and their quick action in obtaining a consensus this week. It remains uncertain if this fruitful result will incite more student movements surrounding topics like tuition and financing in the approaching academic year starting this September.