Drexel University President John Fry said in a Saturday statement that harassment, intimidation and other antisocial behavior will not be tolerated following the formation of an anti-Israel encampment on the university’s campus.
An encampment was constructed on Saturday at the Philadelphia campus of Drexel. Those involved with the anti-Israel protest have reportedly claimed they intend to “keep it peaceful.”
Fry said in his statement that the encampment “raises understandable concerns about ensuring everyone’s safety” and acknowledged the “many well-documented instances of hateful speech and intimidating behavior at other campus demonstrations.”
He additionally confirmed that individuals outside the Drexel community will not be allowed to participate in the encampment.
“We will not tolerate the destruction of property; the harassment or intimidation of our students, faculty or professional staff; or threatening behavior of any kind, including speech that is explicitly racist, antisemitic, or Islamophobic, that creates a hostile environment for members of our community based on race, color, national origin, religious affiliation, or shared ancestry,” Fry confirmed of Drexel.
Fry additionally revealed about 75 protestors were present when the encampment was created.
While Fry claimed access to the encampment will be limited to the university’s community NBC Philadelphia reported a spokesman claimed “community members of the city of Philadelphia are part of the protest.”
The statement additionally announced the Drexel campus put under lockdown, with all buildings closed even to students, as a result of the protest.
University of Pennsylvania student Eyal Yakoby reported the campus remained locked down on Sunday.
Are universities meant to be ground zero for unlawful protests or education?
Right now, @DrexelUniv entire campus is under lockdown. All buildings are closed even for students. pic.twitter.com/ktWHHlEuyF
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) May 19, 2024
Yakoby additionally posted a video to X that appear to show protestors dismantling police barricades after erecting their encampment.
Happen now @DrexelUniv, encampment has taken down all of the police barricades. pic.twitter.com/5RIy9nzNj3
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) May 19, 2024
The creation of the Drexel encampment came after anti-Israel protestors entered Fisher-Bennett Hall at Penn.
Police quickly dispersed the protestors, some who reportedly waived Palestinian flags, and reportedly made 19 arrests and issued 12 citations. Seven Penn students were among those arrested, according to 6 ABC.
An anti-Israel encampment previously constructed at Penn was dismantled by police after Republican U.S. Senate nominee promised to “revisit” federal funding and tax breaks for universities that allowed the encampments and Governor Josh Shapiro called for the university to end the protest.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Drexel University President John Fry” by Drexel University.
