wave of anti israel protest There was a widespread sweep of the college campus at Princeton Thursday morning, when dozens of protesters attempted to set up a tent and camp out — only for university police to move in and make two arrests, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest, a group involved in the protests, strongly criticized the show of force and branded the school’s police force “pigs” on social media.
According to a university spokesperson, the protest began as a sit-in on McCosh Courtyard and then some people began setting up tents, which is a violation of school policy. Protesters also held a large banner reading “Popular University for Gaza”.
Princeton University Public Safety, Ivy League School Police ForceThe university says it gave protesters several warnings before taking action.
Aerial firing on protesters in Princeton on Thursday. Two people were arrested after protesters attempted to set up a tent at the Ivy League institution. (WTXF)
The spokesperson said officers then arrested two graduate students, who were charged with trespassing and were immediately escorted off campus pending the disciplinary process.
The University of New Jersey says protesters then voluntarily removed all tents, although social media posts show protesters still sitting on tarps and blankets in the courtyard.
“The pigs painted here are arresting two of our fearless students!” Princeton wrote in a post on Israeli Apartheid Divest.
“The administration is trying to ban, suspend, and expel them. Please join us in calling on the Princeton administration to stand in solidarity with Gaza and our peacefully protesting students!”
As police took away one of those arrested, the crowd began cheering and then chanted: “We will not stop, we will not rest, expose, expose.”
A draft press release said the protesters were calling for the university to “disengage and disengage from Israel”, and draw attention to Princeton’s “active contribution to the ongoing genocide and human rights catastrophe.”
“We’re going to be here for a while,” one protester shouted after the arrest, The Daily Princetonian reported. Protesters also built an art project, a library and a yoga area in the courthouse, The Daily Princetonian reported. Have installed.
Two people were arrested Thursday at an anti-Israel protest at Princeton University, where protesters had attempted to set up tent. (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)
Another protester told the publication, “We will stay here until the university is disinvested.”
Rabbi Eitan Webb, co-director of the Chabad House of Princeton, was part of a group of a half-dozen counter-protesters, some of whom visited the American and israeli flagsStanding towards the shore.
“I commend the Princeton administration for clarifying the rules and enforcing them properly,” Webb told The Daily Princetonian.
The protests continued this morning despite the university sending a detailed message to students on Wednesday about its approach to handling such protests.
President University President Christopher Eisgruber wrote an op-ed in the student newspaper outlining the institution’s commitment free speechBut noted protesters will have to follow strict rules.
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Anti-Israel protesters attempted to set up a tent at Princeton University on Thursday before police arrived and arrested two people. The protesters have uprooted their tents and are continuing their demonstration. (WTXF)
“This guarantee extends to protests and demonstrations, provided they do not involve actual threats, harassment, or conduct that impairs the right of others to be heard, violates the law, or impedes essential functions ,” Eisgruber wrote.
“Certain types of protest actions (including occupying buildings or blocking access to them, setting up outdoor camps, and sleeping in an outdoor space on any campus) are inherently unsafe for both those involved and bystanders, and They increase the potential for tension and conflict.”
He said these types of protests are also inconsistent with the university’s mission and legal obligation to provide a safe environment for all students and staff.
“Anyone engaging in occupation, occupation or other unlawful disruptive conduct who refuses to stop after being warned will be arrested and immediately escorted from the premises,” Eisgruber wrote. Resulting in a diploma, or expulsion.
