UCLA protesters detained by police and pro-Palestinian encampments removed

President Biden emphasized the importance of peaceful protests in America, stating that while there is a right to protest, there is not a right to cause chaos. He condemned violent protests and highlighted that actions such as destroying property, vandalism, and threatening or intimidating people are against the law.

In response to recent clashes between protesters and police at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where 25 tents were re-established after arrests, the chancellor is meeting with protest leaders to address their demands for divestment and other actions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Meanwhile, at Portland State University, police began an operation to clear the Millar Library, which had been occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters. The police effort, in collaboration with the university, aimed to end the occupation after failed attempts to engage in dialogue with the protesters.

At the University of Minnesota, an agreement was reached with pro-Palestinian protesters to end the campus encampment, with promises of addressing their demands and reopening closed buildings. Similarly, Rutgers University postponed exams and academic activities due to anticipated protest activities.

In other developments, Columbia University’s radio station WKCR was praised for its live broadcast of college protests, while NYC Mayor Eric Adams revealed that over 40% of protesters arrested at Columbia and CUNY were not affiliated with the schools. At UCLA, the protest encampment came to an end, with remaining protesters cornered outside the library as police worked to clear the area.