NYU pro-Palestinian protesters cleared out by NYPD, several arrests made. See the school's response.

[SomewhereInTheMiddle]

16. So why universities?

I can believe the protesters have the desire to see an end to the violence in Gaza and/or the West Bank. But why protest at these universities?

The faculty and administration do not have the authority to create a ceasefire, or to cause peace negotiations to happen, or to reshape US and Israeli policies. So why target the schools?

Is it just because that is where the agitated students are? Is it a matter of convenience instead of impact?

When I and my friends protested at our university against apartheid in the early 1980’s we were asking/demanding that the university divest from companies doing business in South Africa. A specific action the university administration could carry out. That was why we targeted them.

Why are these protesters targeting these schools?

I am not arguing they do not have the right to protest, though they do not have the right to cause specific students to fear for their safety. My limited understanding of criminal law makes me think that is the basis of the crime of assault.

My question is their goals and strategy to achieve those goals.