Columbia suspends over 65 students following pro-Palestinian protest in library

[Ms. Toad]

4. I would have.

And I not only engaged in Vietnam protests which did not violate any laws or school rules, but I engaged in one act of civil disobedience for which I could have been prosecuted for trespass. When I chose to trespass, it was with the knowledge I could have been arrested - and acceptance of up to the maximum legal penalty which could be imposed for trespass.

There are many ways to engage in protest. Some lawful, and some not. Unlawful acts can be very effective - for example living in a 1000 year old tree for 738 days to prevent it from being chopped down - which ultimately saved the tree. It is unlikely any lawful act would have been that effective in saving the tree. But one should never engage in civil disobedience if they are unwilling to accept the consequences of that act - whether it is ultimately imposed or not.

That said - there is nothing unlawful about speaking out in favor of Palestinians. There is nothing unawful about being present in a library during the hours it is open - and no one should be punished by the school or deported for those acts. Shoving past guards and destroying property is unlawful - and if you choose to do so it should be because you have decided that making your point by violating the law is worth whatever (lawful) consequences may be imposed because of it.