Yale police charge at least 45 people at pro-Palestinian demonstration

(NewsNation) — Yale University police arrested at least 45 people during a pro-Palestinian protest that began over the weekend and continued Monday.

Those who refused to leave the protest near a campus plaza were charged with first-degree criminal trespass, NewsNation’s New Haven, Connecticut, affiliate WTNH reported. They were released with promises to appear in court, according to the Associated Press.

Protestors have since moved to public streets near campus. WTNH reporter Kent Pierce described the scene as “organized” and “very calm,” saying movement around campus is still possible.

Protestors advocating for Yale’s divestment from military weapons manufacturers gathered on campus throughout the past week. Those protests grew during the weekend to involve several hundred people, including students and members of the broader community, according to a university spokesperson.  

Yale officials asked protesters to pack up their belongings and leave early Monday, warning that refusing to leave may result in law enforcement and disciplinary action, “including reprimand, probation, or suspension,” the spokesperson said.

University representatives spoke with student protestors for several hours Sunday and offered to arrange a meeting with trustees, including the chair of the Corporation Committee on Investor Responsibility. Yale officials said protestors could avoid arrest if they left the plaza by the end of the weekend.

The students declined the offer, according to the university.

“The university made the decision to arrest those individuals who would not leave the Plaza with the safety and security of the entire Yale community in mind and to allow access to university facilities by all members of our community,” a university spokesperson said. “Yale provides detailed guidance on free expression, peaceable assembly, and requesting the use of on-campus outdoor spaces. Since the protest started, the university and the Yale Police Department worked to reduce the likelihood of confrontations and arrests.”

Many of the students participating in the protests, including those conducting counterprotests, have done so peacefully, according to a statement the university’s president Peter Salovey issued Sunday.

“However, I am aware of reports of egregious behavior, such as intimidation and harassment, pushing those in crowds, removal of the plaza flag, and other harmful acts,” Salovey said. “Yale does not tolerate actions, including remarks, that threaten, harass, or intimidate members of the university’s Jewish, Muslim, and other communities. The Yale Police Department is investigating each report, and we will take action when appropriate, including making referrals for student discipline. We are providing support to affected students.”

Monday’s protests are a continuation of similar activity on college campuses since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

Last week, police arrested more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia, where protesters had set up an encampment on campus.

A first-year Columbia University student said he doesn’t feel safe on campus as pro-Palestinian protests continue.

The student, Noam W., joined “NewsNation Live” Monday. He asked to withhold his full last name, citing security concerns.

“It’s very tense,” he said. “I don’t personally feel safe on campus.”

There have not been any credible threats made to particular groups or individuals coming from the encampment protests, the New York Police Department said.

This is a developing report. Refresh for updates.

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