University Cracks Down on Anti-Israel Protests at UNC Chapel Hill, Arresting Over 30 Demonstrators for Campus Disruption

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill authorities announced on Tuesday morning that roughly 30 anti-Israel protesters who refused to depart an encampment demonstration established on campus have been arrested by police forces after they were given a deadline of removing their tents, tables and other objects from the area. At around 5:30 am local time (10:30 GMT), university officials conveyed through Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts and Provost Chris Clemens that demonstrators must leave immediately or face arrest along with possible academic penalties including suspension and expulsion, which could prevent students from graduating. Around 6am, the police forces calmly approached protesters and arrested around 30 people who resisted leaving by attempting to obstruct officers’ vehicles as well as throwing items at them while blocking Polk Place for almost forty-five minutes until it was cleared entirely. Remaining protestors attempted to forcefully enter South Building after clearing the area, pushing officials from Facilities and UNC Police in their efforts to disobey requests made by university authorities regarding demonstrations. Both chancellor and provost highlighted that protests at shared public spaces were consistent with University policies for several months while supporting free speech rights of peaceful protesters; however, they warned against disrupting campus operations as state law and Board of Governors policy prohibit such acts. Demonstrators had adhered to university guidelines in recent weeks according to them, but these practices fell off when a new set outside UNC entered the scene on Sunday evening by trespassing into classroom buildings overnight. The chancellor and provost also announced that constructive dialogue with demonstrations ended due to their disobeyance of University policies while warning about safety concerns for students, faculty members, staffers as well as visitors amidst final exams and graduation events in progress at the campus. WRAL-TV reported on police forces removing protesters some of whom were taken into custody with zip ties around them after they refused to leave. Crowds shouted ‘let them go’ when law enforcement officers started taking people away while one demonstrator was heard yelling insults towards policemen, including “Hands off you pigs” and “Get a real job.” UNC Students for Justice in Palestine said that all arrested students and community members have been released after the protest. The student newspaper revealed that six out of approximately 30 detained were formally placed under arrest on charges.