Amidst the violence and uneven combat waged between Israel and Palestine, students worldwide emerged as a unifying symbol of solidarity and humanitarian resistance to the war on Gaza. In this chapter, we examine the responses of six prestigious American universities, as recognized by U.S. News national rankings, to the campus protests that took place in April 2024. Applying Peter T. Coleman’s conflict-intelligent leadership (CIQ-L) framework to these universities in a descriptive case study approach, we assess how each institution navigated the interaction between student and faculty activism within an emergent transnational social movement and institutional responses to campus protests. Additionally, we examine how universities balanced academic and freedom of expression rights with institutional stability and flexibility in politically charged and conflict-laden contexts. Some institutions demonstrated flexibility and situational adaptation, leading to de-escalation and negotiated resolutions, though opportunities for deeper engagement were missed. Most relied on punitive measures, such as disciplinary actions and involvement of campus security or external law enforcement, which escalated tensions and alienated members of the campus community. Faculty at several institutions played significant roles in advocating for academic freedom and supporting student activism. The reported involvement of external actors further complicated institutional responses and led to escalating tension. Recommendations are offered to strengthen conflict-intelligent leadership.