Hundreds of students in colleges and universities campuses across the country Has been arrested after attending hate, anti-Israel camps last week.
Schools ranging from Columbia University to the University of Southern California and the University of Texas at Austin have all seen dozens of arrests because gatherings flouted the respective schools’ policies by displaying anti-Semitic language or trespassing — but not at Liberty University.
The private Christian university is located Lynchburg, Virginia, A massive gathering was held on the academic lawn of the campus on Wednesday evening which went unnoticed as there were no arrests, no anti-Israel or anti-Semitic sentiments. Instead, huge crowds came together to pray, worship, and read the Bible.
Jonathan Falwell, the university’s chancellor and pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, who preached Wednesday, tweeted, “While anger, hatred and violence are erupting on many college campuses; Liberty students worship King Jesus. It’s refreshing to see.” gathering.
USC closes campus ‘until further notice’ after anti-Israel protest, 93 arrested for trespassing
Liberty University students pray and worship during an outdoor service on campus Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Liberty University/X)
“There is no greater joy than seeing God’s people happy in their truth,” a Liberty University spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “While we all watch tragically the situation on college campuses across the country erupting into protest, speaking the language of hate and promoting an evil ideology that supports the destruction of an entire race of people, In contrast, thousands of Liberty students gathered last night on our academic lawn for worship, scripture reading, preaching and prayer before the Lord Jesus Christ. Liberty students are actively seeking the presence of God.
The spokesperson said 24-hour student prayer meetings are also underway in the campus chapel “as we approach the end of our semester.”
In a tweet, Liberty University described the event as “the final culmination of a semester filled with worship, fellowship and diving deep into the Word together.”
Although there were no protests, there was a marked difference between public displays of Liberty on campus and public displays at other colleges and universities.
Liberty University students participate in a weekly religious service called Campus Church. On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the service was typically held outdoors.
instead of chanting “We are Hamas,” Liberty students sang: “Lord You Are Great.”
Instead of repeating “From the River to the Sea”, Liberty’s students said: “I will praise you in the valley, I will praise you on the mountain.”
Liberty University held a mass gathering outside, as other schools across the country have been holding anti-Israel demonstrations. (Liberty University/X)
Students held a public worship service at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia on April 24, 2024. (Liberty University/X)
Christian school assembly begins Protest at UT-Austin and USC, which was forced to close its campus “until further notice” after an anti-Israel protest, where 93 people were arrested on trespassing charges.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrived on campus around 4 p.m. after protesters refused to comply with the university’s request to leave the area, Captain Kelly Muniz told X on Wednesday night.
Muniz said, “We have not determined whether or not they will be cited. If and when, it will be a misdemeanor offense. They are going to be cited, and they will go through the booking process.”
Muniz said a brawl broke out in part of the protest area, resulting in the arrest of one to attack With a deadly weapon.
USC security officers disperse students protesting in support of the Palestinians at the University of Southern California Alumni Park, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Los Angeles, California, US, on April 24, 2024. Tried to scatter. (Reuters/Zaydi Sanchez)
The university announced at 11:58 pm that the protest had been declared over and the campus would remain closed “until further notice”.
USC tweeted, “The protest at UPC has ended. However, the campus remains closed until further notice. Students, faculty, staff, and those doing business on campus may enter with proper identification.”
Students form a protest camp in support of the Palestinians at the University of Southern California Alumni Park, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Los Angeles, California, US on April 24, 2024. (Reuters/Zaydi Sanchez)
Pastor Jonathan Falwell compared Liberty’s gathering to protests that are ‘exploding in anger, hatred and violence’ like the camp at Columbia University in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Jeremiah)
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USC Provost Andrew Guzman said the protesters’ actions included “vandalism, defacing campus buildings and structures, as well as physical confrontations that threaten the safety of our officers and the campus community.”
He also said that the school strictly rejects “speech” he is disgusting And that hurts others.”
Fox News’ Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.
