The anti-Israel protests that have been sweeping college campuses recently made their way to Princeton University, where demonstrators attempted to set up tents on campus. Princeton Israeli Apartheid Divest, one of the groups involved in the protests, criticized the university’s police force as they were arrested for violating campus policies. Despite warnings from university police, two graduate students were arrested for trespassing and were subsequently barred from campus pending a disciplinary process. Protesters set up a sit-in on tarps and blankets even after the tents were taken down voluntarily.
The protesters called for the university to divest and disassociate from Israel, citing ongoing human rights violations in Gaza. Demonstrators at the event were chanting slogans and expressing their commitment to staying until their demands were met. Rabbi Eitan Webb, part of a group of counter-protesters, commended the university for enforcing rules and ensuring safety during the protest. The protest went on as planned, despite the university’s warning to students the day before on how such demonstrations would be handled.
University President Christopher Eisgruber emphasized the institution’s commitment to free speech but noted that protests must follow strict guidelines to ensure safety and maintain the campus environment. He warned that actions such as occupying or blocking access to buildings, establishing encampments, or disrupting essential operations would not be tolerated. Eisgruber stated that individuals engaging in such disruptive behavior would be arrested and banned from campus, potentially jeopardizing their academic progress or leading to expulsion.
The protests at Princeton come amidst a larger wave of anti-Israel activism on college campuses, with students across the country calling for divestment from Israel. The demonstrations have sparked debate and controversy, with supporters of Israel and counter-protesters also expressing their views. Despite disagreements, the university has made efforts to uphold free speech rights while also ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days and whether the protesters’ demands will be addressed by the university administration.
