Pro-Palestinian Protesters at Drexel University Defy Disbandment Call as National Arrests Near 3,000

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Drexel University in Philadelphia defied a request from the university’s president to dismantle their encampment on Monday, as arrests related to campus demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas conflict neared 3,000 nationwide.

Drexel’s campus was on lockdown, with classes moved online and police monitoring the protest on the Korman Quad. Drexel President John Fry had criticized the encampment as disruptive and expressed concerns about alleged antisemitic behavior by some protesters.

In response, the Drexel Palestine Coalition denied the accusations of hate speech and intimidation, accusing the university and police of harassment instead. Despite tensions, no arrests were reported at the Drexel demonstration.

Similar protests have erupted on campuses across the country, with demands for colleges to sever financial ties with Israel. The demonstrations gained momentum following a police crackdown at Columbia University in April.

As the academic year winds down, the number of new arrests has decreased, but colleges remain vigilant for disruptions to graduation ceremonies. At Drexel, the encampment was established after a march from Philadelphia’s City Hall, while nearby at the University of Pennsylvania, arrests were made involving both students and non-students.

The protests have also reached commencement ceremonies, with disruptions reported at George Washington University and a call for a cease-fire in Gaza by President Joe Biden at Morehouse College. Wesleyan University in Connecticut has agreed to review divestment options with student protesters, signaling a potential shift in campus investment practices.