A large crowd of protesters gathers at Emory University, with many participants holding signs with messages such as 'Free Palestine', 'End all aid to Israel', and 'Stop the genocidal bombing of Gaza'. The scene captures a diverse group of demonstrators, some wearing masks, actively participating in a campus protest while Emory University banners hang from lamp posts in the background. The image reflects the dynamic nature of student-led activism and the coverage by student journalists.

A student-led protest at Emory University. | PBS NewsHour

Student Journalists Discuss Covering the Campus Protests

May 2, 2024

Student Journalists Discuss Covering the Campus Protests

Ask students: Where are the universities that are represented by the student journalist interviewed in this story? What are some of the stories these journalists have reported from campus protests?

Share

Share On Facebook
Share On Twitter
Share On Pinterest
Share On LinkedIn
Share On Microsoft Teams
Email
PBS News Hour Classroom
PBS News Hour Classroom
Follow

Student protests over Israel’s war in Gaza and U.S. involvement continue across campuses nationwide. Even as the school year comes to an end, administrators are struggling with how to respond. Amna Nawaz discussed more with Spencer Friedland of the Emory Wheel, Aarya Mukherjee of the Daily Californian at UC-Berkeley and Neil Mehta of the Brown Daily Herald.

View the transcript of the story.

Discussion Questions

  1. Who is interviewed for this story?
  2. Where are the universities that are represented by the student journalist interviewed in this story?
  3. What are some of the stories these journalists have reported from campus protests?
  4. Why do some students feel unsafe because of the protests, according to Spencer Friedland?
  5. How have some of the school administrations responded to protests, according to these student reporters?

Focus Questions

  • What do you think might be some special challenges for student journalists of covering the campus protests described in this story?
  • Media literacy: What perspectives and access to interviews do you think students might have that journalists from national media might not?

Extension Activity

In this story, the journalists describe the stated goal of many of the campus protests being "divestment," or withdrawal of financial investments in companies that contribute to Israel's war efforts.

Watch the following video on divestment demands and discuss — what are the potential impacts of divestment, and why are most universities resisting the demand?

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.

PBS News Hour Classroom
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement

Post a comment

Log in or sign up to post a comment.