UNC Students Restore American Flag after Anti-Israel Protests

In a display of patriotism, UNC-Chapel Hill students defended the American flag after it was replaced with a Palestinian flag during anti-Israel protests.

On Tuesday, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus witnessed a powerful moment of patriotism as students rallied around their nation's flag amidst ongoing anti-Israel protests.

Early Tuesday morning, anti-Israel activists replaced the American flag flying at half-mast in honor of four fallen Charlotte officers with a Palestinian flag. This act sparked outrage among students, including Guillermo Estrada, class of 2027.

Estrada expressed his dismay in a viral Facebook post, stating that he was "immediately upset" by the disrespect shown to the American flag. He also commended Chancellor Lee Roberts and law enforcement officers for restoring the American flag, despite facing verbal abuse and projectiles from protesters.

As the American flag was returned to the pole, groups of students sang the National Anthem and chanted "USA." However, chaos ensued as protesters attempted to remove the flag again, leading to a confrontation with students who held the flag high.

"People began throwing water bottles at us, rocks, sticks, calling us profane names," Estrada recounted. "We stood for an hour defending the flag so many fight to protect."

Estrada's post resonated deeply with fellow students and the wider community, garnering over 25,000 likes and inspiring a GoFundMe campaign to support his fraternity.

Chancellor Roberts emphasized during a live broadcast, "That flag will stay there as long as I am chancellor." He also reassured students of their safety and vowed to protect them from those seeking to disrupt their campus experience.

A police sweep of the encampment on the quad was scheduled for Sunday night but did not materialize. However, on Tuesday, approximately 30 protesters were detained for refusing to leave the site despite being given an ultimatum by university administrators.

Protesters attempted to block police vehicles and throw objects at officers, leading to the temporary clearance of Polk Place. Later, protesters escalated their tactics by attempting to forcibly enter South Building.

The university issued a "critical" advisory, canceling classes and non-mandatory activities in the afternoon for safety reasons.

The protests at Chapel Hill reflect a nationwide trend of anti-Israel demonstrations on elite university campuses. Students have set up encampments, occupied buildings, and clashed with law enforcement in support of Gaza amidst the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The university authorities have consistently supported the right to assemble and express views but have also emphasized the importance of adhering to campus policies. They have made clear that students and community members can make their voices heard, but University policies must be followed.

The protests on the Chapel Hill campus have highlighted the challenges of balancing the right to free speech with the university's responsibility to maintain order and protect its students and community.