NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The pro-Palestine protests on the campus of Tulane University have resulted in a police raid of the protesters’ encampment.
At 4 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, WGNO’s LBJ was at the site where multiple protestors set up tents on the campus’ front lawn for what was expected to be a third day of protests.
At the scene, there were officers from the New Orleans Police Department, Tulane Police Department and the Louisiana State Police. Officers and troopers were in riot gear clearing out the encampment.
The NOPD reported 14 people were arrested.
Tulane University President Michael Fitts released an update on what he referred to as an “unlawful protest.”
In the message, he announced that six arrests were previously made, and seven suspensions were issued to student participants with one pending. He added that they are also investigating reports of participating university employees.
“We value free speech and have supported numerous lawful demonstrations throughout this year. But we remain opposed to trespassing, hate speech, antisemitism and bias against religious or ethnic groups. Harassment, intimidation, violence, and other criminal acts on any of our campuses will not be tolerated,” said Fitts.
As investigations into the demonstration continue, Fitts adds that classes held in Gibson, Tilton-Memorial and Dinwiddie Halls will continue to operate remotely.
“My appreciation goes out to Tulane President Michael Fitts, the Tulane Police Department, Tulane Police Chief Frank Young, New Orleans Police Chief Anna Kirkpatrick, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police for safely clearing the Tulane campus of those who sought to illegally occupy the campus! Many colleges across our country may allow this lawlessness, but Louisiana will NOT. This State will not tolerate those who seek to disturb the peace by means of criminality,” said Gov. Jeff Landry.
Head of the LSP, Colonel Robert P. Hodges said, “At the request of the Tulane University Police Department and the New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police assisted with removing the unsanctioned protests on Tulane’s campus this morning. Our Troopers worked alongside our partner agencies to ensure the safety of students, protestors, and the surrounding community while restoring order and peace to the Tulane University campus.”
This is only one of many protests happening on college campuses across New Orleans and the country.
On Sunday, April 30, another pro-Palestine protest in Jackson Square led to the arrest of a dozen people and left five New Orleans Police Department officers injured.
Last week, Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced that he was offering a reward for information on the person who spray-painted graffiti on the wall of The Presbytère in Jackson Square with sayings like “The people call 4 a cease-fire.”
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