From Little Rock to Ivy League: The Case for Federal Action on U.S. Campuses Today

 

Just as President Eisenhower did not falter in deploying federal troops to uphold justice and protect  black students in 1957, President Biden must send the National Guards to safeguard Jewish students and restore order on university campuses amidst escalating protests.

In the throes of national crises, the role of a president often transcends the mere execution of office to embody the very principle of order and safety. One historical episode that epitomizes this role occurred on September 23, 1957, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This decisive action was not merely a response to the chaos at hand but a profound assertion of justice and the federal government's commitment to uphold the rights and safety of American citizens under the law. This chapter argues that similar decisive action is warranted today, given the escalating tensions and disturbances on U.S. university campuses.

In April 2024, a new front in the complex geopolitical tensions of the Middle East manifested on the campuses of some of America's most prestigious universities. Following the onset of the Israel–Hamas war, a series of pro-Palestinian protests began, notably at institutions such as Columbia University, Princeton, and various California colleges, including UCLA and UC Santa Barbara. These protests rapidly intensified, leading to occupations and widespread disruptions. Regrettably, the tenor of these protests has, at times, crossed into overt threats and harassment against Jewish students, with calls for an intifada and jihad being reported.

The crux of the issue lies not merely in the expression of political dissent but in the infringement upon the safety and rights of fellow students. The historical precedent set by Eisenhower in 1957 underscores the federal government's duty to act when local authorities are either unwilling or unable to ensure the safety and civil rights of individuals. In Little Rock, the issue was the integration of African American students and their right to equal education free from persecution. Today, the parallel draws itself in the necessity to protect Jewish students and ensure that educational environments remain bastions of safety and learning, not battlegrounds for international conflicts.

The role of the federal government in intervening in such crises is supported by the Insurrection Act of 1807, which allows for such measures in times of civil unrest that disrupt the execution of state laws. President Eisenhower’s utilization of this act was aimed at maintaining order and ensuring the safety and rights of students. Similarly, invoking this act, President Biden could address the current disturbances on university campuses, thereby reasserting the supremacy of federal law in maintaining peace and protecting civil rights.

The argument for federal intervention is further compounded by the apparent incapacity of university administrations across the affected locales to manage the escalating violence and disruptions effectively. This inability to maintain order mirrors the circumstances faced by the Little Rock School Board during the desegregation crisis, necessitating federal troops to restore order and protect students.

It is worth noting here that, the nature of the protests, which have included calls for violence and the disruption of academic activities, constitutes a clear violation of university codes and civil conduct. The gravity of these actions demands a firm response. Someone has to teach these protesters a lesson, and this is where President Biden must step in. President Biden must send in the National Guard to wake these kids up. They ought to know they can't continue with this nonsense; they ought to understand that they do not have the right to occupy these campuses and disrupt college activities.

These students must be made aware that threatening their fellow students is unacceptable. The government must intervene decisively to snap these kids out of this destructive behavior, and the National Guard will help them do it. All of these disruptive activities need to end. It's essential to restore a safe and conducive learning environment where all students can pursue their educational objectives without fear of intimidation or violence.

In plain terms, the actions of President Eisenhower in 1957 offer a compelling precedent for President Biden today. Just as Eisenhower did not hesitate to assert federal authority to uphold justice and protect vulnerable populations, so too must President Biden consider similar measures to ensure that university campuses remain places of safety and learning, not fear and conflict. The federal response should be measured yet firm, aiming not only to quell the immediate disturbances but also to set a precedent that the rights and safety of all students are paramount and will be vigorously defended by the government, irrespective of the wider political contexts that may seek to intrude upon America’s educational sanctuaries.