As tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Hamas, a surprising trend has emerged on some of America's top college campuses.

Pro-Palestinian student groups have organized protests and teach-ins, leading to a backlash from conservative groups and alumni who are calling for stronger condemnation of Hamas.

Students chant at the conclusion of a lunchtime "teach-in" led by members of state and local affiliates of Students for Justice in Palestine. (Gazette)

Just last week at Colorado College, a Palestine flag hung from a tree and students chanted slogans like "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" during an outdoor "teach-in." This event was just one of many similar protests taking place across the country, with some even being planned for state capitols.

These actions have prompted concern among university administrators, who are struggling to respond in a way that does not anger students, faculty, donors and alumni. In some cases, the attempts to address the conflict in nuanced ways have only resulted in further criticism and even calls for apologies or second statements.

Conservative groups and alumni have been quick to denounce these anti-Israel protests and urge university leaders to take a stronger stance. Some have even withdrawn financial support from universities that they believe have not adequately condemned Hamas and its terrorist attacks on Israel.

Nationwide protests and rallies erupt on college campuses as the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza continues. Denizen Cortez reports on both the Israeli and Palestinian students affected by this conflict and the organizations raising awareness to this 75-year war. (Twitter)

Meanwhile, Jewish students and organizations are feeling betrayed by some of their progressive allies who have expressed support for Hamas. Even “J Street U,” a student organization that advocates for a two-state solution, has spoken out about feeling hurt and disappointed by the rhetoric of certain university groups.

The situation has put universities, including those in Colorado, in a difficult position, as they are being forced to navigate complex political and social issues while trying to maintain their reputations and avoid backlash. They must find a way to address the conflict without alienating any members of their community.

American colleges and universities have been rushing to put out statements in hopes of stopping the bleeding:

• Harvard University leadership released an initial statement last week.

• Harvard president Claudine Gay published a second statement saying those students did not speak for the university.

• Indiana University president Pamela Whitten issued a second statement last week after her first message featuring a broad reference to violence in the Middle East prompted outrage.

• Northwestern president Michael Schill first said publicly that while he was personally "repulsed, sickened and disappointed" by Hamas' actions,

• Northwestern president Schill said in a second statement that the attack was "clearly antithetical to Northwestern's values — as well as my own."

As these anti-Israel protests continue, it remains to be seen how universities will handle the situation and whether it will have any long-term impacts on their enrollment, faculty recruitment, and donor support.

But one thing is clear: the events of the past few weeks have exposed deep divides on college campuses.