According to Fox News, students at Columbia University's graduation heckled the acting president and chanted 'Free Mahmoud,' reflecting ongoing campus unrest related to international conflicts (Source: Fox News, May 20, 2025). Such university protests are increasingly being tracked by traders as potential sentiment drivers, with analysts noting that heightened geopolitical and social tensions at major academic institutions can influence crypto market volatility and short-term trading sentiment. As institutional investors and student organizations become more vocal, there is potential for increased demand for privacy coins and decentralized finance solutions, particularly as market participants seek alternatives during periods of perceived censorship or unrest (Source: Fox News, May 20, 2025).

According to Fox News, anti-Israel protesters occupied part of the Columbia University library during finals, declaring it a 'liberation zone' (source: Fox News, May 7, 2025). This event has led to heightened security concerns on U.S. campuses, which could drive short-term volatility in campus security and surveillance-related stocks. For crypto traders, the incident has fueled discussions about privacy coins and decentralized communication platforms, as increased regulatory scrutiny on protest-related digital funding could impact tokens like Monero and Signal-based projects. Market participants are advised to monitor shifts in sentiment and regulatory developments related to protest funding.