NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — “Unlawful” protests on Tulane University’s campus have continued into a second day on Tuesday, April 30.
At 6:40 a.m., university officials released a statement to the public, students and staff, alerting them of several building closures across campus due to the pro-Palestine demonstration.
This comes after protestors were seen camping out on Tulane campus grounds overnight.
“Gibson, Tilton-Memorial and Dinwiddie Halls on Tulane’s uptown campus will be closed today, Tuesday, April 30. This is due to the continued unlawful protest activity taking place on the lawn in front of Gibson Hall, on the St. Charles Avenue side. The overwhelming number of these protestors are unaffiliated with Tulane,” said Tulane University officials.
Students and administrators working in the listed buildings are being advised to work remotely on Tuesday. Operations on the remaining Uptown campuses will continue as normal.
According to university officials, six people have been arrested, one being a student. Five students were suspended, with more suspensions and conduct charges expected. Additionally, the Students for a Democratic Society organization has been suspended.
The university warned that any student who participates in the demonstration could face charges for trespassing. Employees were also warned that they could face disciplinary action or be fired.
“The lawn in front of Gibson Hall, on the St. Charles Avenue side, is closed to all students, faculty and staff until further notice. Cowen Circle will be closed to all traffic and parking. For safety reasons, community members are advised to avoid the area adjacent to the Gibson Hall lawn, including along the neutral ground of St. Charles Avenue,” said university officials.
On-campus security has been increased throughout the university, according to school officials. They add that an update will be given once more information is made available.
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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