For about a week, the cluster of tents raised by students at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, stood in solidarity with Palestinian civilians in Gaza and with students protesting at other campuses across the US.

But the movement, which erupted in response to a conflict thousands of miles away, has brought one closer to home into sharper focus. The protests in support of Gaza are testing the bounds of students’ rights to free speech and shining a spotlight on the deepening political divides over the culture on college campuses.

Meanwhile, it is distressing to note that the deeper cause that aligns these protesters across the country has been overshadowed by the ongoing debate over the tactics they employ. The heated discussions focusing on whether their methods are justified or not have diverted attention from the core issue at hand. In this cacophony of opinions, the crucial narrative of why they are taking to the streets often gets lost. While the crackdowns against student protesters are understandably highlighted in the news cycle, it is equally imperative to recognize that the devastating carnage in Gaza continues unabated. The suffering of innocent civilians, the loss of lives, and the destruction of homes should never be pushed to the background. As supporters, we must raise our voices not only for the protesters' rights but also for the urgent need to address the root causes of their grievances, while simultaneously demanding an end to the violence in Gaza.

As supporters, we are duty-bound to ensure that the voices of the protesters and the plight of the civilians in Gaza are heard loud and clear. It is essential that we not only condemn the oppression and injustice faced by the protesters but also demand justice for the innocent victims in Gaza. We must stand united in our resolve to call for change, for peace, and for the respect of human rights everywhere. The ongoing rhetoric surrounding tactics and methods must not deter us from our goal: to create a world where all individuals are treated with dignity, equality, and compassion. Let us work towards this noble cause, undeterred by the challenges we face, and let us remember that the cause of justice is never lost as long as we keep fighting for it.