Texas Students Arrested for Pro-Palestinian Protests

University of Texas in Dallas protestorsPhoto byX (Twitter)

Over the past week, protests erupted on college campuses. The news was directed at protests at top schools such as Columbia and UCLA. But Texas has also had its share of protests as well.

This past Wednesday, May 1, police arrested 21 pro-Palestinian protestors at the University of Texas in Dallas according to Fox 4 News. The police also removed protestors at the University of Texas in Austin according to NBC Dallas Fort Worth. 

Protestors in Dallas held signs saying “Free Palestine", "Free Gaza", and "Welcome to Gaza Liberation Plaza”. 

At about 4 pm, Dallas police arrested 20 protestors and dismantled the encampments.  

Then on Friday, more protestors arrived at the same location. About 700 protestors arrived and continued their pro-Palestinian support. 

The University of Texas at Dallas student and protest organizer Fatima Gasim said according to Fox 4:

"Two days ago, we saw our university allow state troopers here, allow state troopers to arrest our students, arrest our professors because they choose profit over people." 

"We're going to continue protesting and continue demanding our university to end its complicity." 

Some students were given a letter that they would be expelled if they continued to protest. 

The statement said according to WFAA:

"UT Dallas requested assistance from outside law enforcement in an effort to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. Individuals may peacefully assemble in the common outdoor areas of campus to exercise their right to free speech, but they may not construct an encampment or block pathways."

"In the last six months, there have been several peaceful protests on the UT Dallas campus. The UT Dallas Police Department and area law enforcement partners are continuing to monitor the situation."

Students who were arrested on Wednesday were not allowed on campus to protest and they were only allowed to attend classes. 

Do you think students should be allowed to protest on Texas campuses?