Tensions escalated on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus as pro-Palestinian protesters continued their encampment for the eighth consecutive day. On Friday afternoon, demonstrators surrounded a sculpture of Ben Franklin, covering his face and raising a Palestinian flag. Both Philadelphia police and Penn police maintained a strong presence.
Protesters are demanding that the Ivy League school divest from companies with financial ties to Israel. Penn’s Interim President Jameson has ordered the protesters to disband the encampment immediately, citing university violations, harassment, and intimidation. On Thursday, the Philadelphia chapter of the Israeli-American Council (IAC) delivered petitions to Jameson’s office, signed by over 3,000 verified Penn students and faculty, urging the university to disband the encampment.
The group of protesters includes students from Penn, Drexel University, Temple University, and other organizations. Encampment organizers assert that their actions are not in violation of any rules and claim they have the right to protest. Penn is checking protesters’ identification and has opened several student disciplinary cases through the Center for Community Standards. A university spokesperson mentioned that they requested assistance from the City of Philadelphia as protest activity escalated overnight and large crowds gathered on Friday, necessitating additional resources to ensure community safety. Despite the heavy police presence, no arrests were made on campus.
President Joe Biden, on Thursday, rejected calls from student protesters to change his approach to the war in Gaza, emphasizing that “order must prevail” as college campuses across the country face a wave of violence, outrage, and fear. “Dissent is essential for democracy,” Biden said at the White House. “But dissent must never lead to disorder.”
Tensions on college campuses have been building as demonstrators refuse to remove encampments, leading to clashes with police. Officers began arresting protesters at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) campus early Thursday, detaining some with their hands zip-tied behind their backs. At least 90 people were arrested during a protest at Dartmouth University, with charges including criminal trespass and resisting arrest.
Protests at Columbia University against the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza have reportedly been “co-opted” by professional outside agitators, according to New York City police officials. A preliminary analysis by the NYPD revealed that 47% of the 282 people arrested at Columbia and the City College of New York were not affiliated with either school. Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall was cleared of pro-Palestinian protesters who had taken over the building.
In Philadelphia, multiple people were arrested Thursday after pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police and burned flags outside Philadelphia City Hall. Philadelphia police confirmed six arrests during the protest, which began at Rittenhouse Square. The rally, organized by the Philly Palestine Coalition, saw about 400 people gather to condemn Israel’s Gaza occupation and demand an immediate cease-fire. Footage showed several protesters waving Palestinian flags while burning other flags, including an American flag. First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford stated that such behavior “absolutely cannot be tolerated.”
In Los Angeles, police arrested 93 people on and around the University of Southern California (USC) campus during a chaotic rally by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The university declared the campus closed to non-students due to significant activity at the center of campus. The arrests included charges of misdemeanor trespass and one arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. No injuries were reported.
The New York City Police Department made several arrests during a pro-Palestinian protest near the annual tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center. Seven people were arrested as protesters marched around Midtown Manhattan. The protest coincided with the International Day of Solidarity With the Palestinian People.
At Portland State University, eight arrests were made after protesters re-entered the Millar Library, which they had occupied earlier. Police said protesters left a slippery substance on the floor, allegedly to make officers slip and fall. Over 20 arrests were made throughout the day.
The University of Pennsylvania requested help from the City of Philadelphia as protests escalated and an encampment grew. The university reported that protest activity affected pedestrian traffic and that Philadelphia police were assisting. Penn property was defaced, and protesters used “threatening rhetoric and chants.”
In Los Angeles, the city attorney’s office has not received any submissions for charges for those arrested at protests at UCLA or USC. The Los Angeles County public defender’s office deployed a rapid response team to assist those arrested.
At Rutgers University, students involved in protests agreed to dismantle their encampment and peacefully end their protest after the university canceled final exams. The students had requested representation within the community and for Rutgers to divest from companies engaged in Israel.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared May as Jewish American Heritage Month, emphasizing solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community.
The ongoing protests and clashes across various campuses highlight the deepening divide and heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with students and activists demanding action and universities grappling with maintaining order and safety.
Source: WPVI, ABC News, NBC News
