SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 29, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Police from several agencies donned riot gear to disband a pro-Palestine protest at the University of Utah on Monday night, taking down tents set up on campus and arresting 17 who refused to comply.
University of Utah police warned protesters to take down their tents or face potential criminal charges. At 11:15 p.m., police made an announcement that the encampment needed to disband or those participating would be arrested. Another announcement warning protesters that they faced arrest if they did not leave followed at 11:30 p.m.
Police formed a line and made their way through the encampment, forcing protesters to leave the area. At least one person was detained for allegedly throwing a water bottle at police.
Hundreds of students set up camp in the university’s Presidents Circle on Monday afternoon, joining others on college campuses across the nation to protest Israel’s war in Gaza.
Protesters chanted, “There is no violence here. Why are you in riot gear?” and, “The people united will never be defeated,” as police prepared to move in on them. Officers from the Utah Highway Patrol, Salt Lake City, West Valley City and Unified police departments joined university police to disperse the protesters.
The University of Utah Department of Public Safety issued a statement at 9:20 p.m. warning those who’ve set up camp that they’re in violation of state law and the university’s free speech policy.
“As a public institution, the University of Utah preserves and protects the right to free speech on our campus. There are reasonable limits under the First Amendment for the times and places of these expressions,” the department stated on social media.
“Students, faculty, staff and community members, you have the right to express your viewpoint and we have heard you. You do not, however, have the right to set up structures or camp overnight. You are violating Utah state law and University of Utah free speech policy.”
The statement orders the protesters to take down their tents “immediately.”
“If your tents are not taken down, they will be removed by law enforcement,” the statement continues.
University police say consequences for students include probation or suspension, as well as criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges.
Faculty and staff participating in the encampments face potential discipline, including termination, as well as criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges.
Participating members of the community also face possible criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges, police said.
“Members of the campus community with specific questions about consequences are encouraged to communicate with representatives of the Dean of Students Office who are on-site and available to provide more information,” the statement says.
A follow-up statement at 10:05 p.m. said protesters are being notified “and will receive multiple warnings to disperse.”
For those who don’t, police “will disband the structures and make arrests as needed.”
“The University of Utah will continue to preserve and protect the right to free speech on our campus within the reasonable limits established under law,” the statement concludes.
Gov. Spencer Cox and the Utah Department of Public Safety were among those issuing statements on social media warning that criminal activity at such protests would not be tolerated.
STATEMENT released by University of Utah
April 30, 2024 12:05 AM
Officers from University of Utah Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department, Unified Police, Utah Highway Patrol, and West Valley City Police Department moved in to disperse the protestors just after 11 p.m.
“Utah college campuses around the state are not exempt from the significant unrest that currently exists in our country and world,” said Keith Squires, U chief safety officer. “Campuses serve as a stage and forum for not just students, but for members of the community who want their voice to be heard. We honor all voices, but the right to speech on our campus must occur within the confines of state law and campus policies.”
Officers removed and dismantled approximately a dozen tents, stashes of water bottles, food and toilet paper. The crowd moved west toward University Street and 1300 East. Many broke down their own tents and drove away.
As of 11:45 p.m., 17 had been arrested. No injuries to protestors were reported. One officer was injured. One hatchet was confiscated.
Elsewhere, UCLA was forced to step-up security around an encampment of 50 tents on Royce Quad after “physical altercations” broke out between pro-Israel demonstrators and pro-Palestinian protesters, who are calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, and ordering UCLA to divest all interests in Israel, according to UPI.
On Sunday, pro-Israel demonstrators held a large rally next to the encampment, which was erected Thursday, waving U.S. and Israeli flags. The group said they organized the counterprotest “in support of Jewish students” and to “rise up against hatred and anti-Semitism.” While there were several scuffles, no one was injured.
“As an institution of higher education, we stand firmly for the idea that even when we disagree, we must still engage respectfully and recognize one another’s humanity,” UCLA spokesperson Mary Osaka said in a statement. “We are dismayed that certain individuals instead chose to jeopardize the physical safety of the community. We have since instituted additional security measures and increased the numbers of our safety team members on site.”
