Bernard Chan

Opinion | Tear gas, student protests – except it’s the US, not 2019 Hong Kong

Student protests across more than 25 US universities over the Gaza war have turned violent with the police moving in, and tear gas and stun grenades used

The situation presents significant challenges, with opinions polarised and deep divides among communities and families. In Hong Kong, the healing has yet to truly begin

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Pro-Israel protesters scuffle with those supporting Palestinians in Gaza, at the University of California Los Angeles on April 28. Photo: Reuters

Bernard Chan

Published: 5:30pm, 2 May 2024

In recent days, there has been a massive escalation of demonstrations and disruptions on university campuses across the US. While many protests have been peaceful, levels of disruption have increased, with student protesters creating encampments and occupying and barricading themselves inside university buildings. This has led to a breakdown in safety and security on many campuses, reminiscent of our situation in Hong Kong in 2019.

Students and, in some cases, faculty, staff and members of the public are demonstrating to voice their disapproval at the disproportionate response to the Hamas attack on Israel, which has resulted in the ongoing destruction of Gaza.

The demonstrators’ objective is to pressure the Biden administration to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and halt the provision of weapons and military support services that have led to the destruction of Palestinian civilian infrastructure.

There have been reports of Jewish undergraduates increasingly worried about their safety on many US campuses. At the same time, there are reports of Muslims, Arabs and others feeling threatened off campus. Once again, the situation is reminiscent of the concerns of students from mainland China over their intimidation and safety in Hong Kong in 2019.

Meanwhile, some students are understandably fearful that the conflicts and atrocities occurring around the world that may be affecting them or their families are simply not getting enough attention.

One of the US colleges affected is my alma mater, so I have been paying close attention from the outset as tensions heightened and the situation escalated. Opinions are sharply divided on student tactics and the appropriate levels of response.