A demonstration against Israel’s military actions in Gaza was disbanded by police on Thursday at Emory University in Atlanta, adding to a series of protests occurring on college campuses nationwide. Hundreds of individuals have been arrested during tense demonstrations in California, Massachusetts, Texas, and other states, with recent rounds of arrests occurring in New York.
Assistant Vice President Laura Diamond stated that early Thursday morning, several dozen protesters established an encampment on Emory’s quad by setting up tents. Diamond clarified that the initial group of protesters had no affiliation with the university, though they were subsequently joined by some members of the Emory community.
According to Diamond, the school’s police department informed the group that they were trespassing. When they refused to vacate the premises, police took approximately two dozen individuals into custody and cleared the quad. Some officers were observed carrying semiautomatic weapons, and footage depicted officers deploying a stun gun on one protester who was pinned to the ground.
Later on Thursday, the Georgia State Police confirmed that officers had used a Taser on a protester who was reportedly resisting arrest. According to Courtney Lund, a public information officer for the state police, the protester was tased twice before being apprehended.
Cheryl Elliott, the university’s Vice President for Public Safety, stated on Thursday evening that the university police contacted city and state authorities after determining that the initial group of protesters were not associated with Emory University. This determination was based on their refusal to confirm their connections. Elliott added that the individual who was tased “is not a member of the Emory community.”
Despite Harvard University’s efforts to preempt protests by restricting access to Harvard Yard and implementing permissions for tents and tables, demonstrators managed to set up a camp with 14 tents on Wednesday. This occurred following a rally protesting the university’s suspension of the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee.
It’s crucial to ensure that protests remain respectful and inclusive of all perspectives. Students advocating for divestment from companies involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict highlight their desire for universities to take a stand. However, it’s equally important to address concerns about antisemitism and ensure that all students feel safe and supported on campus. This delicate balance often prompts universities to take a more assertive approach in managing such protests.