The Role of Student Protests in Shaping the Modern University
Exploring the historical ties between student protests and the evolution of universities, historians shed light on how the solidarity between students and teachers in medieval Europe laid the foundation for the universities we know today.
David M. Perry and Matthew Gabriele, co-authors of "The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe," are experts in their fields. Perry is a journalist and historian at the University of Minnesota, while Gabriele is a professor at Virginia Tech. Their upcoming book, "Oathbreakers: The War of Brothers that Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe," is set to be released in December 2024. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors.
Across the United States, college students have been participating in protests against Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These demonstrations reflect a complex national movement, with a wide range of opinions, individuals, goals, and responses.
Some people have been surprised to see college professors standing up to defend their students. At Emory, philosophy department chair Noëlle McAfee was arrested while trying to protect her students. Economics professor Caroline Fohlin was violently thrown to the ground and arrested for asking a police officer to stop mistreating another student. Concerned faculty at the University of Texas-Austin organized a strike to protest police actions against peaceful protestors. Faculty at CUNY even formed a physical wall to shield protestors from the police.
People demonstrate at Emory University in support of Palestinians on April 26, 2024.
People demonstrate at Emory University in support of Palestinians on April 26, 2024.
Elijah Nouvelage/Reuters
In our book, "The Bright Ages," we highlight how faculty and students coming together to resist political interference has always been a fundamental aspect of universities. In fact, this unity is the very reason why universities exist in the first place.
During the European Middle Ages, education was primarily based in religious institutions, particularly cathedrals located in growing cities. These institutions provided a space for students and teachers to gather under the guidance of the cathedral's archdeacon (known as the "provost") and archpriest (known as the "dean").
In the late 12th century, a school emerged around the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, attracting students and teachers from across Europe. They were drawn to the increasing wealth of Paris and the rising power of the French monarchy. While things were generally peaceful, there was some tension between the city's residents and the students. However, in 1200 CE, a group of students in Paris fell victim to a scam by a shopkeeper. Angered and intoxicated, they retaliated by vandalizing the shop.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators face off with Texas Department of Public Safety officers at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, April 24.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators face off with Texas Department of Public Safety officers at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday, April 24.
Jordan Vonderhaar/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File
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These events led to a series of revenge acts, which reached a peak when the shopkeeper, the school's leader, and a group of their supporters attacked the school premises and killed some students.
In a show of solidarity with the students, the school's teachers decided to stop teaching and threatened to relocate unless the king addressed the students' grievances and delivered justice. King Philip II Augustus of France responded by arresting the attackers and issuing a royal decree that safeguarded the rights of both teachers and students. He referred to them collectively as a "universitas" in Latin, recognizing their shared identity and rights.
The modern university has an unexpected beginning - a bar brawl and vigilante violence. This shows that universities thrive when students and faculty unite, giving them strength and influence.
The term "university" wasn't widely used for the cathedral school in Paris until later. Despite history not repeating itself, it does have echoes. The hard-earned rights of this early "university" were soon challenged, highlighting the importance of unity among students and faculty.
In 1229, there was another bar fight in Paris.
AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Mounted police work to contain demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza at the University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Students walked out of class as protests continue to sweep college campuses around the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Mounted police were seen working to control demonstrators protesting the war in Gaza at the University of Texas at Austin on April 24, 2024. The students at the university had walked out of their classes to join the protests, which are part of a larger movement sweeping college campuses across the country. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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A shopkeeper once again tried to deceive some students over the price of wine, but this time the innkeeper got upset and had his servants attack the students. The next day, the students retaliated by vandalizing the shop. The shopkeeper sought justice from the authorities, and surprisingly, the queen supported the citizens instead of the school. As a result, her soldiers stormed through the student area, causing injuries and even some deaths.
The teachers stood by the students once more, highlighting their unity as a universitas and demanding an end to external interference. However, this time, the monarchy rejected their plea. The king grew more worried about the independence of the school, the controversial teachings (like Aristotle and Islamic thinker Ibn Rushd), and the behavior of the young individuals. The brawl at the bar provided the perfect excuse for the politicians to seize control of the school.
The teachers joined forces with the students and went on strike, leaving the city with a promise not to return for at least six years. The monarchy was shocked and took immediate action to restore the school. It took two years for the situation to be resolved when the pope issued a decree recognizing the university's authority to self-regulate and limiting the powers of the king and bishop over the teachers and students. This model was adopted by other schools in Europe.
Universities today stand as a proud and visible reminder of medieval Europe's history. They symbolize the partnership between teachers and students committed to the pursuit of knowledge. External forces will always attempt to control this pursuit and influence young learners.
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Teachers must stand with their students in light of this historical fact. This may involve courageous actions, such as confronting violence from heavily armed police. However, it can also include smaller gestures like granting exam extensions, advocating within the university, or being understanding when grading assignments.
The true history of the university dates back to medieval times and highlights the importance of unity between teachers and students. This community, dedicated to learning together, once bravely opposed kings. This historical lesson serves as a reminder that today, united, we can also stand up against the true "outside agitators" - politicians who disregard the values of free speech and education.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the historical significance of unity between students and faculty in universities, dating back to the European Middle Ages. It demonstrates that when these two groups stand together, they can effectively resist political interference and protect the values of free speech and education. The article draws parallels between the protests against Israel's actions in Gaza and the struggles faced by medieval universities, emphasizing the importance of faculty support for their students in the face of external pressures.
While the article acknowledges the complexities of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, it focuses primarily on the role of universities and the need for faculty to stand with their students. It argues that universities have a fundamental responsibility to protect academic freedom and the rights of students to express their views, even when those views are unpopular or controversial. The article serves as a reminder of the historical importance of university autonomy and the need for universities to remain independent from political influence.
