UCCS students protest for 2nd day, no overnight camping

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Wednesday, May 8, students gathered for the second consecutive day in the open area near the entrance of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). According to social media of the UCCS Students Justice for Palestine and COS People’s Coalition, the gathering was to protest the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Social media posts from COS People’s Coalition on Tuesday, May 7, indicated there were concerns that attempts to camp overnight would draw police attention.

UCCS leadership confirmed that there were no encampments overnight and that no structures were erected, reiterating the university’s ban on overnight camping.

UCCS leadership released this statement: “UCCS supports our campus community’s right to peacefully protest, as protected by the First Amendment and university policy. Under Colorado law, the open outdoor areas of campus are “student forums” available for student expression, so long as the expression is not materially disruptive and complies with the campus policies for the use of buildings, grounds, and facilities.”

The students gave no statement to FOX21 News.

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