University of Georgia students and some Athens community members have set up a solidarity encampment on the university’s campus.
According to a UGA spokesperson Greg Trevor, the Monday morning’s encampment on the North Campus Quad crossed a line and violated the school’s policies.
Students say the university has chosen profit over the lives of the Palestinian people and the overwhelming force of student opinion.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Trevor said that the students and staff did not make a required reservation under UGA’s Freedom of Expression Policy. This led to five protesters erecting tents and a barricade, blocking sidewalks and building entrances, and using amplified sound.
Officials stated that protesters were told repeatedly for over an hour that the tents and barricades they had put in place had to be removed and that they must comply with school policies. They were then told they could make a reservation and relocate to one of the designated forums, but they refused. UGA warned protesters they would be arrested for trespassing if they did not comply with policies. UGA police arrested those who refused to comply.
It’s unclear how many people were arrested.
Channel 2 Action News has a reporter and photographer headed to the scene, with LIVE updates on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.
TRENDING STORIES:
“We remain grateful for the dedicated service of our Student Affairs team and University Police officers, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to facilitate the safety of those who choose to exercise their right to peacefully protest on our campus. Anyone who feels threatened or who has experienced threats, harassment or discrimination is encouraged to contact the University’s Police Department and/or Equal Opportunity Office immediately. Let us make it abundantly clear that while the University of Georgia staunchly supports freedom of expression, we will not cede control of our campus to groups that refuse to abide by University policy and threaten the safety of those who live, work and study here. The University of Georgia remains an institution where ideas, viewpoints, and scholarship can be openly expressed and debated,” Trevor said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
It was a busy Sunday on Emory’s campus as protestors gathered to resume peaceful demonstrations of pro-Palestinian protests.
But hours earlier, the peaceful demonstrations took a turn.
Several people were issued warnings for trespassing from Saturday night’s criminal activity on campus.
Emory police were called out late at night after some demonstrators vandalized campus property, painting hateful messages on several buildings and structures.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Source Agencies
