Scholars React to Gaza Protests on Campus

A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of scholars disapprove of Israeli military actions in Gaza, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Nearly 77% of the surveyed foreign-policy experts expressed disapproval, contrasting with the U.S. public's more divided stance, where 55% disapprove according to a March Gallup poll. The survey also revealed that while there is a consensus against military actions, opinions diverge on university divestment and student activism related to the issue. The impact of campus protests on the upcoming U.S. presidential election is a point of contention among scholars. A majority believe that these protests could negatively affect President Biden's chances, with 56% of Republican experts, 51% of Democrats, and 52% of independents agreeing. However, opinions vary on whether the protests would increase support for the Republican nominee, with a notable divide between Republicans and Democrats. Despite the strong opposition to Israeli military actions, many scholars are skeptical about the effectiveness of student protests in influencing university policies regarding divestment from companies linked to Israel. A significant 62% of respondents felt that the protests would not lead to any changes in university investment strategies, indicating a lack of confidence in the protests' potential impact. The surveyed scholars also expressed a commitment to academic freedom, emphasizing that while they may disagree on divestment and student involvement, they largely oppose boycotting collaborations with Israeli institutions. This reflects a complex landscape of opinions within academia regarding the intersection of international relations, activism, and educational policies.