More arrests made on UT campus as pro-Palestinian protestors briefly set up encampment

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Dozens of protestors were taken into custody Monday afternoon on the University of Texas campus as law enforcement worked to clear an encampment on the campus' South Mall.

Just after 1 p.m. Monday, UT officials announced a dispersal order for the area, where protesters had reportedly set up several tents. As of 1:45 p.m., DPS troopers could be seen working to remove those tents and dismantle the makeshift encampment.

In addition to the DPS troopers, officers from both the University of Texas Police Department and the Austin Police Department were also on campus.

An exact number of arrests made Monday won't likely be available until Tuesday morning, according to Travis County officials, although estimates from county leaders put the total at 40 or more.

It's the first significant escalation of protests on campus since last Wednesday's events, which saw 57 people arrested for criminal trespass. UT officials said roughly half of those arrested last week had no connection to the university; all of those charges were dropped, according to Travis County Attorney Delia Garza, due to probable cause "deficiencies" raised by defense attorneys.

Officers were able to largely clear the encampment by 4 p.m. Monday afternoon, but crowds remained.

The university released a statement Monday night addressing the afternoon's events. "Earlier today, a number of protestors, many believed to be non-UT affiliated individuals, erected a tent encampment on the South Lawn, with a barricade enclosure of tables secured by metal chains, and strategically placed tools, tents, and rocks. When approached, protestors escalated by becoming physically and verbally combative with Dean of Students’ staff. In response, the University of Texas took swift action to preserve a safe, conducive learning environment for our 53,000 students as they prepare for final exams."

"UT Austin requested backup assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety to protect the safety of the campus community and enforce our Institutional Rules, such as the rule that prohibits encampments on campus. Because of the encampments and other violations of the University’s Institutional Rules related to protests, protestors were told repeatedly to disperse. When they refused to disperse, some arrests were made for trespassing. Others were arrested for disorderly conduct."

"Protests are allowed at the University of Texas. Since October and prior to April 24, no fewer than 13 pro-Palestinian free speech events were held on the UT campus, and four more demonstrations have been held since Thursday, largely without incident. The University strongly supports the free speech and assembly rights of our community and we want students and others on campus to know that protests on campus are fully permissible, provided that they do not violate Institutional Rules or threaten the safety of our campus community."