Tension on Campus: Anti-Israel Protests Erupt at Princeton University
Two Arrests as University Enforces Strict Rules
Princeton, New Jersey – Thursday morning witnessed a clash between anti-Israel protesters and Princeton University authorities. The campus erupted in a wave of demonstrations that culminated in two arrests and the dismantling of a planned tent encampment.
The protests began as a sit-in on McCosh Courtyard, with students carrying signs and chanting slogans. However, the situation escalated when protesters attempted to erect tents, a direct violation of university policy.
Campus Rules Prevail
Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest, a group involved in organizing the protests, lashed out at the police response, referring to them as “pigs” on social media. However, Princeton University Public Safety, the Ivy League school’s police force, maintained that they had issued multiple warnings before taking action.
President Christopher Eisgruber had previously penned an op-ed in the student newspaper, emphasizing the university’s commitment to free speech while outlining strict rules for demonstrations. According to Eisgruber, “occupying or blocking buildings, establishing outdoor encampments, or sleeping outside on campus” violated the university’s mission of ensuring safety for all members of the community.
Negotiations and Arrests
Despite the initial resistance, authorities successfully negotiated with protesters to voluntarily remove the tents. However, a small group remained, continuing their sit-in on tarps and blankets.
Two graduate students were arrested for trespassing and immediately barred from campus, pending a disciplinary process. As the students were led away by police, a crowd of protesters cheered and chanted, “We will not stop, we will not rest, disclose, divest.”
Students Stand Their Ground
The protesters declared their intention to maintain their presence on campus until the university “divests and disassociates from Israel.” They have established an art project, library, and yoga area in the courtyard.
“We’re gonna be here for a while,” one demonstrator proclaimed. “We’re gonna be here until the university divests.”
Rabbi Eitan Webb, the co-director of Princeton’s Chabad House, expressed support for the university’s enforcement of its policies. “I applaud Princeton administration for being clear on what the rules are and for enforcing them properly,” he remarked.
The LA News Center will continue to monitor the situation as the anti-Israel protests evolve at Princeton University.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
