Ariel Roblin: What other colleges could learn from Sacramento State's approach to campus protests

Protests over the Israel-Hamas war have been disrupting colleges across America. Police were called to remove protestors; classes and even graduation ceremonies have been canceled. People have a right to peacefully protest, but disorder and violence diverts the focus from meaningful dialogue and real solutions. When protests get chaotic, they can create a mob mentality, leading to sharp increases in racism and discrimination. We need to separate the people from the polarizing ideas. Government, military actions, and terrorist moves don't reflect the feelings of all the people on either side or those sharing the same religious beliefs throughout the world. This war continues with devastating impacts on thousands already suffering. The human capacity for love and understanding applied to complex issues must be front and center, and relentless. An "us against them" blanket approach often emboldens each side to perform more horrific acts against humanity to further their cause. Sacramento State President Luke Wood took a different approach with campus protestors... saying he "focused on leading with listening and love." That led the university to announce a new policy on socially responsible investments, and shortly after, protesters began to take down encampments — a lesson in open dialogue many universities and protesters could replicate.Ariel Roblin is the president and general manager of KCRA 3 and My58. See more of her editorials here.