More than 70 arrested at pro-Palestinian protest at ASU. Here's what we know
Arizona State University’s Tempe campus on Friday and Saturday evening became the scene of the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses across the country.
Up to 250 demonstrators participated in an all-day encampment on Friday, which police disbanded, resulting in the arrest of dozens as the protest extended beyond the hours permitted by ASU. This is the latest in demonstrations at college campuses nationwide where protesters have been arrested as they organize against the Israel-Hamas war.
On Saturday evening, near the ASU Gammage performing arts center, there was a peaceful protest calling for the dismissal of charges against those arrested.
This is what The Arizona Republic knows about the pro-Palestinian activity observed at ASU, the reasons behind the arrests, and the broader trend of which these demonstrations are a part.
How did the demonstration unfold?
At about 8:45 a.m. Friday, dozens of demonstrators descended on Alumni Lawn in front of Old Main near College Avenue and University Drive. The demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and signs and quickly formed a so-called Gaza solidarity camp, filled with several tents and shading.
The encampment was started by a group identified as Students Against Apartheid. Food and first aid, along with bottled water, were available for participants and dinner had been served for those staying late.
What was the protest about?
The protesters' demands included university divestment from Israel, the resignation of ASU President Michael Crow, and the abolition of ASU police. Additionally, the protest called for the reinstatement of MECHA de ASU, a left-wing student group suspended after a Feb. 12 post called for the death of “the zionist” and “the settler.”
How did ASU initially respond?
Campus police told protesters they were violating misdemeanor trespass statute ARS 13-1502, an offense committed when someone remains on “property after a reasonable request to leave” is made by law enforcement. The statute was used when officers arrested protesters in the morning.
There were close to 20 officers by late Friday morning. Sprinklers around the protesters were turned on after the first round of arrests. ASU police Lt. Larry Fuchtman said the force did not know who set off the water.
Students Against Apartheid directed demonstrators to link arms to avoid arrest.
"Do not engage," organizing leaders said. "We're here for peace."
Who was arrested and why?
The first arrest occurred about 9 a.m. Friday, with three arrests in total that morning as tents were torn down by officers.
"Those who do not immediately leave will be arrested," an officer said over a loudspeaker.
Early Saturday brought the arrest of 69 people on criminal trespassing charges related to the encampment going on past 11 p.m., a violation of university policy, an ASU spokesperson said.
Just before 2 a.m., all protesters had either dispersed or been arrested as Alumni Lawn had been barricaded off. ASU police received assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
What is ASU saying about the protest?
A couple of statements were released by ASU.
"Demonstrations, protests and expressions of free speech are protected at Arizona State University, consistent with the First Amendment," a Friday evening statement read. "Peaceful expression of views is always acceptable ― but demonstrations cannot disrupt university operations. ASU is committed to maintaining a secure environment for everyone."
A Saturday morning statement rang a similar tone.
"While the university will continue to be an environment that embraces freedom of speech, ASU’s first priority is to create a safe and secure environment that supports teaching and learning," read the statement.
What are people saying about the protest?
On social media, a spokesperson for Gov. Katie Hobbs indicated that she supported the right to protest, but did not align with many of the demonstrators' objectives.
"Governor Hobbs supports the right to free speech and peaceful protest," spokesperson Christian Slater said on X, formerly Twitter. "However, she strongly opposes any calls to boycott and divest from Israel, attacks on Israel’s right to exist, demands to abolish the police, or rhetoric that supports or encourages violence."
An ASU associate professor of English, Ruben Espinosa, said in an interview, “I just want to make sure the kids are safe.”
What other protests are there?
The University of Arizona saw more than 200 pro-Palestinian protesters converge Thursday on its Tucson campus where there was a limited police presence.
Pro-Palestinian protests have broken out at other universities across the U.S. in the past two weeks.
As of Saturday evening, since April 17, there had been more than 700 arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters on 18 U.S. college campuses, including ASU, according to the New York Times.
There were more than 100 arrested at Columbia University on April 18, at least 47 arrested at Yale University on April 22, and the Associated Press reported there were 133 arrested at New York University this week. More than 90 people were arrested at the University of Southern California on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. There were 57 people, including a TV photojournalist, arrested Wednesday at the University of Texas in Austin.
Republic reporters Rey Covarrubias Jr. and Helen Rummel contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about ASU's pro-Palestinian protest and its arrests