Police successfully removed another anti-Israel encampment from the University of Arizona (UA), university administrators confirmed on Friday.
University President Robert Robbins confirmed police dispersed the camp early on Friday after graduation events were “successfully held” on the UA campus in Tucson “without any incident on Thursday.”
Robbins additionally confirmed a procession of “1,800 leaving a convocation at Centennial Hall just steps away from the encampment.”
Explaining the university’s decision to remove the encampment, Robbins wrote, “As I shared previously, while we continue to have diverse opinions and strong views on a variety of issues, we must find ways to engage safely, reflecting our shared values and respect for others.”
Video posted to the social media platform X on Thursday appears to show anti-Israel protesters “walking by some graduation events,” according to Tucson Daily Star reporter Elie Wolfe.
Here’s a closer look at the pro-Palestinian group at the University of Arizona, who just walked by Old Main and are walking by some graduation events. pic.twitter.com/n9osQNWmhO
— Ellie Wolfe (@elliew0lfe) May 10, 2024
A separate May 10 update on the anti-Israel encampment, also provided by Robbins, confirmed that UA began “enforcing our campus use policy,” and contacted police “to remove an unauthorized encampment” at 11:40 p.m.
“A structure made from wooden pallets and other debris was erected on campus property after 5 p.m. in violation of the policy.” The notice added, “University officials issued warnings to remove the encampment and disperse. The warnings were ignored.”
Video posted to X on Friday appears to show police using crowd control measures, including tear gas canisters, to disperse the encampment.
The encampment at the University of Arizona was torn down last night, but not before pure chaos broke out. Tear gas cannisters were even thrown back at the police. pic.twitter.com/L2meLyWIAO
— Stu (@thestustustudio) May 10, 2024
This is at least the second anti-Israel encampment constructed at UA, which previously called police to clear protesters and dismantle an encampment on May 1. A number of university students were reportedly arrested as the first encampment was dispersed.
At the time, Robbins similarly confirmed the university intructed police to “immediately enforce campus use policies and all corresponding laws without further warning,” resulting in the clearing of the encampment.
Robbins is slated to leave his role as president of the university following the conclusion of his current contract in 2026 after months of criticisms regarding the $177 million deficit boasted by UA under his management.
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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].
Image “Pro-Palestine Encampment Unrest” by Stu.Â
