Biden defends students right to protests but condemns campus violence as schools crack down on encampments NBC Connecticut [Video]

President Joe Biden on Thursday defended the right to protest but insisted that “order must prevail” as college campuses across the country face unrest over the war in Gaza.

“We are not an authoritarian nation where we silence people or squash dissent,” Biden said from the White House. “In fact, peaceful protest is in the best tradition of how Americans respond to controversial issues, but neither are we a lawless country.”

“Dissent is essential for democracy. But dissent must never lead to disorder,” he added.

He largely sidestepped protesters’ demands, which have included ending U.S. support for Israeli military operations. Asked after his remarks whether the demonstrations would prompt him to consider changing course, Biden responded with a simple “no.”

His comments come as police crack down on campus encampments.

Police arrested pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses across the country overnight, notably at the University of California, Los Angeles,where chaotic scenes played out early Thursday as officers …