Biden Addresses Campus Protests: 'Violent Protest is Not Protected'

President Joe Biden addressed ongoing campus protests over Israel’s campaign in Gaza on Thursday, emphasizing Americans’ rights to protest but denouncing violence and chaos. 

For Context: Violent confrontations between pro-Palestine protesters, pro-Israel protesters, and police are increasing at colleges nationwide as school administrations request law enforcement assistance to clear tent encampments erected on campus property.

Details: Biden stated that the protests have not led him to reconsider his foreign policy decisions. He also rejected calls to send the National Guard to campuses experiencing unrest.

Key Quote: Bidens stated, “It is against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not a peaceful protest, it’s against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations, none of this is a peaceful protest. Threatening people, intimidating people, instilling fear in people is not peaceful protest, it is against the law.”

How the Media Covered It: Coverage from the New York Post (Lean Right bias) labeled the pro-Palestine protests “pro-terror anarchy” and stated that Biden has “sustained criticism for his lack of public comments as chaos raged across the country.” Similarly, coverage from Axios (Lean Left bias) stated that Biden is “under tremendous political pressure as young Democrats and primary voters across key swing states have signaled opposition to his stance on Israel's war in Gaza.” Reuters (Center bias) stated that Biden “has walked a careful line of denouncing antisemitism while supporting young Americans' right to protest and trying to limit longer-term political damage.”