ASU to review removal of encampment after police arrest 72 pro-Palestine protestors on campus
Apr 27, 2024, 2:10 PM | Updated: May 14, 2024, 4:53 pm
PHOENIX — The ASU Office of General Counsel is reviewing the establishment and removal of an encampment on the Alumni Lawn last weekend.
After the review, ASU will provide an update on its findings.
ASU Police arrested 72 people for trespassing after they staged a pro-Palestine rally on the campus on Friday.
Protestors set up several tents, prompting ASU police to tear down some of the encampments and put handcuffs on protestors.
Most of the people taken into custody weren’t ASU students, faculty or staff, the university announced on Sunday.
“Of the 72 arrested throughout the day Friday, 15 were ASU students,” ASU announced. “About 80% of those arrested were not students.”
University policy prohibits unauthorized encampments. Additionally, lawful demonstrations can only take place between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Protestors were also given a warning, which set the stage for the arrests.
“Individuals found setting up unapproved encampments will be directed to dismantle them immediately,” the university added. “Failure to comply may result in being trespassed from campus and possible arrest.”
Police are trying to get them to leave. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/1wifd37aTj
— Heidi Hommel (@heidi_hommel) April 26, 2024
The encampment and demonstration continued well past 11 p.m., ASU said. People were given numerous warnings before police arrested and charged them with criminal trespass.
At one point, ASU turned on the sprinklers to chase off the protestors.
Pro-Palestine activists flew flags, held up signs
The activists staged the “camp-in” to protest the death of Palestinian civilians in the Israel-Hamas war.
Students and advocacy groups taking part in the protest waved Palestinian flags and held signs at the school’s “Old Main” area, which is along University Drive.
Several protestors formed a human chain, linking arms as they stood around the encampment.
They also posted a list of demands to social media.
A list of their demands. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/4xIxnCWeTE
— Heidi Hommel (@heidi_hommel) April 26, 2024
The protest at ASU came after Columbia University students inspired a wave of Pro-Palestinian demonstration across the country. The student protestors are still at an impasse with administrators as of Friday. They plan to keep protecting until their demands are met.
Similar protests have led to hundreds of arrests of Pro-Palestine activists across the U.S. Scuffles with police aren’t uncommon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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