Hillary Clinton faced radical demands from anti-Israel protesters during her visit to her alma mater, Wellesley College. The protesters, who denounced her as a “war criminal,” shouted at people attending Clinton’s talk. A student-run Instagram page named “WC-against-HRC” posted a list of 10 demands, including acknowledging the ongoing genocide in Gaza, divesting from companies perpetuating the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and cutting ties with the Anti-Defamation League. The demands also called for consequences for incidents of hate crimes against Palestinian advocacy.
Despite the protest, school administrators did not condemn it. Vice president and dean of students, Sheilah Shaw Horton, encouraged activists to follow the demonstration policy and the Code of Student Conduct to ensure their safety and that of the community. This protest was not the first time Clinton faced demonstrations during her visits to American universities. She was interrupted by protesters during an appearance at Columbia University in February, with students also calling her a “war criminal.”
During her visit to Wellesley College, angry students circulated pamphlets around campus calling Clinton the school’s “most beloved war criminal” and accusing her of having “blood on her hands.” The protest occurred as Clinton participated in a women-led democracy summit and the unveiling of a new college center named after her. Just days before the protest, Clinton appeared on the “Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon where she criticized U.S. voters for being upset that former President Trump and President Biden were the only two choices.
On the “Tonight Show,” Fallon asked Clinton what she would say to upset voters, to which she responded, “Get over yourself. Those are the two choices.” Clinton defended Biden as someone who is old, effective, compassionate, has a heart, and cares about people. She contrasted him with Trump, who she described as old and charged with 91 felonies. The protest at Wellesley College added to the ongoing controversies surrounding Clinton’s public appearances and her political views on various issues, including those related to Israel and Palestine.
