UT says it will take disciplinary action against students for "rules violations" during April protests

AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The University of Texas says it will take disciplinary action against students who violated its campus rules during pro-Palestinian protests on the campus earlier this year.

While UT says it is prohibited by federal law from addressing any specific case, university officials did provide some details on the actions being taken against affected students.

"The University has made clear that we enforce institutional rules, and the conduct notices sent to students who violated our rules during protests on April 24th and 29th reflect that commitment," the university said in a statement. "The actions and stated intentions of those participating in these protests stand in stark contrast to no fewer than 13 previous pro-Palestinian free speech events on our campus since October, which took place largely without incident. The University of Texas will continue to support the Constitutional rights to free speech of all individuals on our campus and will also enforce our rules, while providing due process and holding students accountable."

A total of 60 students were arrested between the April 24 and April 29 protests, according to UT officials. The number of students affected by potential disciplinary actions has not been confirmed.

Under university rules, student conduct holds can be issued with either non-financial holds or financial holds. Either type of hold can block affected students from registering for classes, ordering transcripts, or receiving diplomas from the university.