Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash with Fraternity at UNC Chapel Hill

A tense standoff unfolded at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Tuesday as pro-Palestinian student protesters attempted to replace the American flag with a Palestinian flag. The incident sparked skirmishes with counter-protesters, including members of the Jewish fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, who intervened to protect the American flag.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the growing tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups on college campuses, which can have a significant impact on the national conversation around Middle Eastern politics. The incident also raises questions about the limits of free speech and the role of universities in promoting peaceful protest and dialogue.

After police restored the American flag, about 30 counter-protesters, including Pi Kappa Phi members, guarded it for hours as protesters chanted and threw items at them. Brendan Rosenblum, an Alpha Epsilon Pi member, stated, "We're supposed to be united in our political beliefs under that flag, no matter what we believe." Trevor Lan, another member, added, "They have a right to protest, it's a legal right under our Constitution, and the American flag is tied in with that."

The moment of the fraternity members holding up the American flag amid the chaotic scene was captured in viral images and videos. In response, a GoFundMe page titled "Pi Kappa Phi Men Defended Their Flag. Throw 'em a Rager" was launched by John Noonan to reward the fraternity for their patriotic actions. The fundraiser has amassed over $500,000 as of Thursday evening, with one of the top donors being billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who contributed $10,000.

During a White House press briefing on Friday, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre praised the actions of the Pi Kappa Phi members, stating, "All Americans have the right to peacefully protest. It is not right to forcefully take down the American flag, to replace it with another flag. It is not right." She added, "Protecting the American flag is admirable." President Biden also addressed the nation on Thursday, condemning violence, vandalism, and disruptions to classes and graduation while acknowledging the right to peaceful demonstrations.

Theincident at UNC Chapel Hilloccurred amid nationwide demonstrations and protests in support of Palestine. Six students were arrested on Tuesday, prompting the university administration to cancel afternoon classes. As the fraternity members work with the GoFundMe organizer to determine how the raised funds will be allocated, the national chapters of Pi Kappa Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi have indicated that excess money should go towards charitable efforts and supporting Israel, respectively.

Dan Stompel, a UNC junior and Pi Kappa Phi member, emphasized the importance of taking a stand, telling Fox News Digital, "Don't bend the knee to these people. They want to take over. They want to just destroy what this country stands for, bring their own twisted ideology into every orifice of this country. And don't let them do that." The viral incident at UNC Chapel Hill has ignited a passionate response, with many Americans rallying behind the fraternity members for their patriotic display in the face of opposition.

Key Takeaways

• Pro-Palestinian protesters at UNC Chapel Hill attempted to replace the American flag with a Palestinian flag.
• Counter-protesters, including fraternity members, intervened to protect the American flag, sparking skirmishes.
• The incident highlights growing tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups on college campuses.
• A GoFundMe page raised over $500,000 to reward the fraternity members for their patriotic actions.
• The White House praised the fraternity members, calling their actions "admirable" and supporting peaceful protest.