Students at Harvard University recently staged a silent protest to express their discontent with what they perceive as the institution’s complicity in the conflict in Gaza and suppression of pro-Palestinian voices on campus. Participants in the protest wore gags to symbolize their belief that their voices supporting Palestine are being silenced. They carried empty pots marked with the slogan “We will never be silent” to underline their commitment to raising awareness about the situation in Gaza despite institutional pushback.

The protestors argue that Harvard’s response to pro-Palestinian activism and its broader stance on Middle Eastern conflicts reflect a troubling disregard for the voices of those advocating for Palestinian rights. They claim that this silencing amounts to a severe exception to the principles of free speech and academic freedom that the university espouses. The protest highlights the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding the role of academic institutions in political issues and the broader global conflict.