Peaceful UNT Protest Against Israel-Hamas Conflict; Call for Cutting Ties with Israeli Companies

Students from the University of North Texas (UNT) held a peaceful protest against the Israel-Hamas conflict in Denton on Tuesday, which contrasted with demonstrations witnessed in Austin and other parts of the country. The university released a statement stating that classes would continue as scheduled, but encouraged faculty, staff, and students to be respectful towards each other during the protests. Safety measures were implemented to ensure attendees’ safety, and student organizations organized the event while recognizing free speech rights. Protestors carried Palestinian flags and called for UNT to cut ties with companies doing business in Israel due to the humanitarian crisis and death toll in Gaza. Unlike demonstrations on other campuses, there was no pro-Israel counter-protest at UNT. The protest lasted two hours before leaders put down their bull horns, allowing students to resume their daily activities by 3:30 p.m. This comes after nearly sixty people were arrested during protests in Austin and a FOX7 news photographer among them. Questions about the right to assemble and freedom of the press have been raised due to these arrests.