NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Several students attending Tulane and Loyola universities who participated in the dayslong Pro-Palestinian protest say they’re now being reprimanded by their schools.
Late Wednesday morning, a portion of Tulane University where the protest occurred had been cleared.
A Tulane alumna says she’s not surprised by the university’s response to the protest but admits she’s a bit baffled.
“The whole time I was growing up, it was looked at as a really good thing and a brave thing, and I don’t see that there’s much difference to what these young people are doing now,” said Tulane alumna Anne Swigart. “They’re protesting a war. They’re protesting a violent war.”
The president of the Movement to Address Antisemitism at Tulane called the encampment that had been formed during the protest a physically unsafe environment for Jewish students.
WGNO asked a Jewish Loyola graduate student who participated in the protest for their response.
“Come have a conversation with me,” said Loyola graduate student Camila Sobral. “I am more than happy to talk to you about how this isn’t antisemitic and how it only makes me feel more rooted in my Jewish traditions.”
Several Tulane students say they have now been suspended or placed on interim suspension, which they say prohibits them from being on campus as finals approach.
“My semester could be completely ruined because I don’t have access to my supplies,” said Tulane graduate student Kristin Hamilton. “They have made no indications that they will allow us to get it, and I just also want to speak to the students who are suspended. They have not been given an opportunity to go retrieve their belongings.”
Loyola students say they are facing repercussions as well.
“While nothing has been sent to me yet, I’m expecting something by the end of the week. Probably something to do with the violation of the student code of conduct,” said Loyola graduate student Juleea Berthelot.
Tulane University administrators released a statement on the matter.
Dear Tulane Community: Early this morning, after issuing numerous warnings, Tulane University Police Department led a coordinated effort by the New Orleans Police Department and Louisiana State Police to remove protestors who have trespassed on our campus over the last two days and erected an illegal encampment on the edge of the lawn in front of Gibson Hall along St. Charles Avenue. The overwhelming majority of the protestors are unaffiliated with our community. At this point, police have reported that at least 14 protestors have been arrested, including two Tulane students. These arrests are in addition to the six individuals, including one student, who were arrested on Monday. Monday’s offenses include trespassing, resisting arrest and battery on an officer. Students who participated in this unlawful occupation have also been referred to the Office of Student Conduct for immediate disciplinary action. Seven students have been suspended. We are also actively looking into reports of university employees participating in this unlawful demonstration. Today’s action was carefully planned and coordinated over the past few days with the goal of keeping the protestors and our community safe while returning our campus to normal operations. In the days leading up to this action we issued multiple verbal warnings, written statements, broadcasted messages and erected a huge sign warning demonstrators that they were trespassing and were subject to arrest. Free speech and the freedom to protest are sacred to us. Spirited debate is fundamental to a thriving academic community. We have supported numerous lawful demonstrations throughout this year. However, 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 are not acceptable. Organizers of protests need to know we will not tolerate these things. While the protestors have been cleared from campus, police remain to ensure that our university is safe. Security measures and the visible presence of police will remain at their highest level throughout the remainder of the semester. We are grateful to Tulane University Police Department and our law enforcement partners, the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police for the peaceful resolution of this illegal demonstration. Today is the last day of classes for most students as we prepare for finals and recognition of our graduates at Commencement. Gibson, Tilton-Memorial and Dinwiddie Halls will remain closed today. Classes scheduled in these building should be conducted remotely and staff in these buildings should work remotely. But classes and operations on the rest of the uptown campus and all other Tulane campuses will continue as normal. Please consult with your supervisor, as appropriate. All supervisors and faculty are asked to be as flexible as possible with their staff or students. Events such as today’s have taken place at universities throughout the country. They are deeply disturbing to our community and their sense of wellbeing and safety. We have resources available to any Tulane community member affected by today’s troubling events. Students seeking help can call 504-920-9900. Employees can call 1-800-624-5544.
Michael A. Fitts, President
Robin Forman, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Patrick Norton, Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer
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