U.S. Colleges Crack Down on Protests: Free Speech Under Fire?

As campus tensions rise, U.S. universities are rolling out stricter protest policies—sparking a heated debate over student rights vs. campus safety.

Following a wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year, schools like UCLA and Columbia have introduced regulations limiting when, where, and how students can protest. Some now require permits days in advance, while others ban overnight sit-ins. Campus leaders argue these measures prevent disruptions to classes and protect students, but free speech advocates warn of a slippery slope.

\"This isn‘t about shutting down voices—it‘s about balancing expression with education,\" said one administrator, speaking anonymously. Critics, however, compare the rules to \"putting activism on mute,\" with student organizers vowing to challenge the policies.

Ediz Tiyansan reports from Los Angeles, where recent protests led to clashes and renewed calls for dialogue. What’s next? The lines between campus safety and civil liberties are blurring faster than a TikTok trend—and Gen Z is watching closely.

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U.S. colleges tighten protest rules, raising free speech concerns

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