TL/DR –
A protest lasting more than two days at Tulane University in New Orleans ended with SWAT officers arresting 14 people, including two students from the university, with a total of 20 arrested since the protest began. The protest was in support of Palestine and occurred on the campus, with some protesters accusing the police of brutality; an investigation is underway. Tulane University issued a statement clarifying that while they support free speech and lawful demonstrations, they will not tolerate trespassing, hate speech, harassment, or any other criminal acts on campus.
Tulane University Protest Ends with Law Enforcement Intervention
A prolonged protest on the campus of Tulane University in New Orleans came to a sweeping end as SWAT officers and other law enforcement agencies cleared a protestors’ encampment. The officers, who had their guns drawn, descended on the campus early Wednesday morning.
The encampment was occupied by people voicing their support for Palestine. NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick was also present as the encampment was cleared around 4 a.m. A total of 14 people were arrested for leaving private property and walking onto the neutral ground on St. Charles Avenue, including two Tulane students. In total, 20 people have been arrested since the protest started.
Some protestors claim they were roughed up by police. Kirkpatrick communicated that an investigation is underway, mentioning the presence of cameras in the area that could offer evidence of what unfolded on campus. NOPD officers were also wearing body cameras during the operation.
Following the removal of protestors, barricades were set up along St. Charles Avenue on campus. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry praised Tulane President Michael Fitts, the Tulane Police Department, NOPD, and the Louisiana State Police for safely clearing the campus. He emphasized that Louisiana would not tolerate lawlessness or peace disturbance.
The Tulane University statement revealed that the arrested protestors had been issued numerous warnings and that the protest was an illegal occupation. The statement also highlighted that the university stands against trespassing, hate speech, antisemitism, and bias against religious or ethnic groups.
While the protest has been cleared, security measures and police presence have been increased for the remainder of the semester. Tulane officials confirmed that Gibson, Tilton-Memorial, and Dinwiddie Halls, which were closed due to the protests, would reopen on Thursday. They urged the university community to contact TUPD with any concerns regarding trespassing or disruptive activity on campus.
The university plans to return to normal operations as they prepare for finals and the upcoming commencement ceremony.
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