Scores of Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested by Police on US University Campuses

Pro-Palestinian protesters were met with arrests on several U.S. university campuses over the weekend as they continued to push for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas. The Indiana University police department in Bloomington reported that 23 protesters were arrested after they refused to remove tents and camp on campus grounds.

According to authorities, the protesters were charged with criminal trespass and resisting arrest before being transported to the Monroe County Justice Center. This incident comes in the wake of similar protests at Columbia University, where over 100 individuals were arrested last week.

The demonstrations have now spread to other college campuses across the country, with activists demanding not only a ceasefire but also divestment from companies linked to Israel’s military and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. Additionally, protesters are seeking amnesty for students and faculty who have faced disciplinary action for participating in demonstrations.

University leaders have responded by enforcing campus policies against hate speech and unauthorized camping, leading to further arrests. In Boston, Massachusetts State Police assisted in clearing out a protest encampment at Northeastern University, resulting in the arrest of 102 individuals for trespassing.

At Arizona State University, campus police detained 69 protesters who had set up an encampment on campus grounds. The university clarified that most of the individuals arrested were not affiliated with ASU and were charged with criminal trespass for refusing to disperse.

As tensions continue to escalate, the clash between protesters and authorities underscores the ongoing debate over free speech rights and campus policies.