STANFORD: Over a dozen individuals were arrested at Stanford University in California on Wednesday following a confrontation between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and authorities over the Israel-Gaza conflict.
According to The Stanford Daily, around 10 students entered the administrative offices building at approximately 5:30 am on the final day of classes for the spring quarter. Simultaneously, about 50 students encircled the building, chanting slogans like “Palestine will be free.”
In an Instagram post, the group Liberate Stanford announced that an “autonomous group of students” had occupied the office of university President Richard Saller, urging the institution to divest from companies associated with Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Police intervened around two hours into the demonstration, using a crowbar to gain entry to the building. Stanford University reported that 13 people were arrested, with one officer sustaining injuries and the building suffering “extensive” damage.
The university stated that arrested students would face suspension, and graduating seniors would not be allowed to graduate.
In a joint statement, Saller and the school’s provost, Jenny Martinez, expressed their dismay over the students’ actions.
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Additionally, citing concerns for public safety, the university removed a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus established since April, along with a pro-Israel display commemorating the victims of a Hamas attack on October 7.
Saller and Martinez wrote, “The situation on campus has now crossed the line from peaceful protest to actions that threaten the safety of our community.”
Among those arrested was a reporter for The Stanford Daily, as reported by the newspaper.
In recent months, hundreds of students have been arrested for staging protests, setting up encampments, and in some cases, occupying buildings to voice their opposition to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which, according to Gazan health authorities, has resulted in the deaths of over 36,000 Palestinians.
The Israeli campaign commenced following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources.
