Yale University witnessed a tumultuous event on Monday as riot gear-clad police stormed the campus during a pro-Palestinian protest, resulting in the arrest of at least 45 individuals.
Nearly 200 pro-Palestine protestors gathered on campus to urge Yale to divest from military weapons manufacturers, resulting in the arrests of several individuals, as reported by the student newspaper, Yale Daily News.
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For three days, the protestors have set up camp on Beinecke Plaza, located on the university’s campus.
According to the student paper, police officers initially issued warnings to the protestors, cautioning them that failure to disperse could result in arrest. Subsequently, individuals, including students, were handcuffed and taken into custody.
Arrested individuals were escorted away from the scene using Yale University shuttle buses. In addition, journalists from the Yale Daily News were allegedly warned of potential arrest if they refused to vacate the plaza, as reported by the newspaper.
In a video shared on X, protesters can be seen linking arms around a flag pole while police officers approach the campus.
Protestors sang in unison, their voices filling the air with the powerful anthem of “We shall not be moved,” while officers meticulously inspected the numerous tents scattered throughout the plaza and restricted access to the campus.
Reports indicate that protesters were chanting phrases such as “We will free Palestine within our lifetime” and “Books not bombs.”
According to the Yale Daily News, the protestors are facing charges of first-degree trespassing.
Yale’s president, Peter Salovey, issued a warning to students via email on Sunday, stating that the university will take disciplinary actions in accordance with its policies in response to the ongoing demonstrations.
In his statement, he acknowledged that while the majority of students involved in the protests, including those who were counterprotesting, were peaceful, there were some instances of concerning behavior. These included reports of intimidation, harassment, pushing in crowded areas, removal of the plaza flag, and other harmful actions.
Yale University maintains a strong stance against any actions or remarks that pose a threat, harass, or intimidate individuals belonging to the Jewish, Muslim, and other communities within the university.
Last week, the NYPD detained over 100 protesters in New York during their intervention to disperse a protest at Columbia University.
Student protesters were calling for the university to divest from companies involved in genocide when the police abruptly entered the campus and detained over 100 individuals, effectively dismantling the protest camp. However, undeterred, the protesters swiftly began reconstructing the camp the very next day.
Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar, was one of the individuals who got arrested. Subsequently, she faced suspension from the university.
Isra Hirsi, an organizer for Columbia University’s Apartheid Divest group, confidently stated that she has never faced any reprimand or disciplinary warnings during her three years at Barnard College.
“I’ve just been informed that I’m one of three students who have been suspended for standing in solidarity with Palestinians who are facing a genocide.”
She expressed her determination, stating, “We, the members of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, will not be swayed by intimidation. We will remain steadfast until our demands are fulfilled.”
“We are demanding three key things: first, the divestment from companies that are complicit in genocide; second, complete transparency regarding Columbia’s investments; and finally, full amnesty for all students who are facing repression.”
According to authorities, the Ivy League school pressed charges against 108 individuals, including Ms. Hirsi, for trespassing. Additionally, two people were charged with obstructing government administration.
On Monday, Columbia made an announcement stating that virtual classes would be conducted, urging students, faculty, and staff to refrain from visiting the campus whenever possible.
Tensions have escalated at several US colleges, schools, and workplaces following the terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th, and Israel’s subsequent military action against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous Palestinian civilian lives.
