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Blocking of Sciences Po Paris: a movement from the United States?
Blocking of Sciences Po Paris: a movement from the United States?
(Franceinfo)
The Prime Minister deplored “the excesses of a dangerous minority” at Sciences Po Paris, where calm returned after a day of tensions. He also denounced “an ideology coming from the United States”, where campuses are ablaze on the subject. But is the parallel correct?
The Palestinian flag displayed in front of Sciences Po Paris during its blockade is reminiscent of American campuses. Students protest against bombings in Gaza killing thousands of civilians. These minority groups are demanding the end of all partnerships with Israeli universities. For the Prime Minister, the French movement is clearly inspired by the American movement.
A different political context
Political scientist Benjamin Morel nuances: “We must not neglect the very endogenous character of the French movement. We have (…) political movements in the faculties which for years have taken up the Palestinian cause”. Another major difference: freedom of speech. In the United States, this fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution sometimes leads to more violent slogans than in France. The political context in the two countries differs. While Sciences Po Paris has lifted its blockade, American universities remain very mobilized. Around a hundred people were arrested in Boston on Saturday April 27.
