UChicago United for Palestine (UCUP) launched an encampment on the quad outside of Swift Hall at 10 a.m. on Monday, following in the steps of pro-Palestinian groups at numerous other universities that have set up encampments in recent weeks.
This article is being updated as the situation develops.
Coverage from days one, two, three, and four of the encampment can be read on the Chicago Maroon.
Follow along with live updates from day six of the encampment here.
Day 5 Summary
Friday saw the biggest crowd drawn to the quad since UCUP’s encampment started on Monday morning. The day began with the aftermath of Thursday’s events: Facilities scrubbed graffiti from Levi Hall, and security removed the Palestinian flag that encampment protesters had raised on the quad’s main flagpole.
At around 9 a.m., University President Paul Alivisatos sent an email titled “Effects of the Encampment” to the University community, where he followed up on his original email sent on the first day of the encampment.
“On Monday, I stated that we would only intervene if what might have been an exercise of free expression blocks the learning or expression of others or substantially disrupts the functioning or safety of the University,” Alivisatos wrote. “Without an agreement to end the encampment, we have reached that point.”
At 12:30 p.m., Maroons for Israel held a picnic on the east side of the quad. Participants threw frisbees and ate falafel while listening to America-themed songs on a loudspeaker. Meanwhile, UCUP held a rally around the encampment that drew a crowd of at least 200.
Soon after, a group of individuals associated with University fraternities marched toward the encampment. The marchers waved American flags as they began approaching demonstrators with the encampment. The two groups faced off in the center of the quad; as tensions rose, UCPD officers in riot gear formed a line between the groups to separate them. The counterprotesters dispersed over the next two hours, with Allied Security and UCPD officers continuing to monitor the quad.
At around 6 p.m., UCPD arrested an individual on the quad. After this, tensions appeared to diminish on the quad. Encampment protesters held a Kabbalat Shabbat service. The Chabad rabbi led a separate Shabbat service on the east side of the quad.
Following rumors of a second counterprotest, the UCUP encampment held another rally at 9 p.m. and circled the encampment with plastic orange fencing and caution tape. While a few individuals seen at the earlier counterprotest returned briefly, there was no second counterprotest.
May 3, 11:45 p.m.
A woman wearing an Israeli flag approached the southern edge of the encampment and began playing a Shofar. A member of the encampment opened an umbrella as she approached and alleged she was playing with his earrings. According to the encampment member, the woman said she was going to put her fist in his face. UCPD separated the woman from protesters from the encampment before escorting her away.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 11:15 p.m.
A pair of individuals carrying a large Israeli flag briefly walked around the quad in front of the encampment before leaving.
Two flags belonging to Maroons for Israel were grabbed by protesters. UCPD officers were able to recover the flags and returned them to members of Maroons for Israel.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 10:22 p.m.
An unidentified individual removed a sign from the encampment and ran towards Regenstein library. The sign said “Stop the U.S. War Machine.” An anonymous user on the app Sidechat posted a picture of the sign with the caption “This is SUCH a beautiful sign… Why’d you let me take it?????”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 9:51 p.m.
In a statement to the Maroon, UCUP organizers addressed the fencing they were placing around the encampment.
“The encampment has made the decision to build fencing around the perimeter of the camp in order to ensure protestors’ safety from Zionist aggressors such as those who marched on our camp this afternoon,” UCUP wrote. “We reiterate that the encampment will remain in place until our demands to DISCLOSE, DIVEST, and REPAIR are met by University administration and are taking appropriate steps to protect our community while we continue this act of protest. We stand, as always, against genocide and in solidarity with Gaza.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 9:43 p.m.
In addition to the orange mesh barriers, UCUP organizers are setting up black mesh, yellow caution tape, and wooden crates on the southeastern side of the encampment. The black mesh barriers are connected to a large tree in front of Swift Hall and extend along one of the pathways toward the center of the encampment.
Encampment organizers previously set up barriers on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, UCPD said the barriers posed a “safety hazard” and would be removed by Facilities Services, after which encampment organizers removed the barriers themselves.
A large pile of sign shields has been placed in front of the Popular University sign facing the center of the quad.
The protesters are now chanting “Filastin arabiyah,” meaning “Palestine is Arab.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 9:31 p.m.
UCUP organizers are setting up orange mesh barriers surrounding the side of the encampment facing Levi Hall.
In a Telegram announcement, UCUP warned of possible counterprotests at 9 p.m., but no counterprotests have materialized so far. The Maroon estimates that the crowd of protesters chanting has grown to roughly 200 people.
Participants are chanting “Which side are you on?”
There are now five Allied Security officers, one from CPD, and two from UCPD on the quad.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 9:12 p.m.
A rally has begun at the encampment. Roughly 75 protesters are chanting “I believe that we will win,” playing drums and clapping.
The U.S. anthem has begun playing from the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house.
Three Allied Security officers are monitoring the center of the quad.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 8:30 p.m.
Senator Bernie Sanders A.B. ’64 (I-Vt.) posted on X in support of nationwide pro-Palestine protests.
“In 1962, we organized sit-ins to end racist policies at the University of Chicago. In ’63, I was arrested protesting segregated schools. But we were right,” he wrote. “I’m proud to see students protesting the war in Gaza. Stay peaceful and focused. You’re on the right side of history.”
– Zachary Leiter, Deputy Managing Editor; Sabrina Chang, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 8:12 p.m.
During the demonstrations this afternoon, the Maroon spoke with Faculty for Justice in Palestine at UChicago member Callie Maidhof, the associate director of the Global Studies Program.
When asked to comment on the counterprotest, Maidhof said, “They’ve been waving American flags in a display of jingoism I’ve never seen on a university campus. I was honestly shocked. From what I understand their biggest concern is that yesterday, the Palestinian flag was raised on the platform, and their concern is that the American flag has not been re-raised in the time since.”
“That kind of asymmetry where, on the one hand, people protesting the murder of around 40,000 people, and on the other hand, people protesting that there’s no longer an American flag on our flagpole, is wild to me,” she said.
Maidhof believes that the encampment is a bastion of free speech.
“Free speech is supposed to be our guiding value here, and that’s really what the students have done over here at the encampment,” she said. “They’ve put themselves on the line, but also they’ve created this incredible space of learning. The idea that this is disrupting learning is just not based in fact. I know people have been coming here for teach-ins, for documentary screenings. I walk through the camp and I just hear people constantly talking about all the issues that are at the heart of our university community: What is free speech? What is protest? What’s happening in Gaza? What even is Gaza? And people are learning more than ever, which is really incredible. And we should be embracing that kind of thing, rather than making threatening emails like the one this morning.”
As for the general state of the encampment, Maidhof is comforted by the protesters’ resilience despite administrative warning. “Yesterday, a couple of representatives of the pro-Palestine camp met with the university president and provost. It was a really disheartening and, frankly, bad-faith meeting on the part of the administration, where the president refused to acknowledge, even in a private setting, the very basic facts of what’s going on in Gaza. And that includes the destruction of every university, which is not even something people are contesting. As far as I know, the Israeli army also says that every university in Gaza has been destroyed.”
“Of course, people here are worried, coming up on graduation, or even just the end of the quarter. But there are thousands of students across Gaza whose university education has been ripped from them entirely,” she said. “And now their university literally doesn’t exist, their university president has been killed, their thesis advisor has been killed, their archives have been burned.”
— Katherine Weaver, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 7:37 p.m.
A group of about twenty members of the Progressive Labor Party has arrived to the quad after walking from the north, waving three red flags and chanting “Workers of the world unite” into a megaphone.
“Our organization has supported many different student strikes,” said one member, “and we’ve been fighting against racism and imperialism for more than fifty years.”
— Katherine Weaver, Deputy News Editor; Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon, News Reporter
May 3, 7:13 p.m.
A group of Jewish students is hosting a Kabbalat Shabbat service on the eastern side of the quad, opposite from the encampment. The mood is upbeat, with about 25 people dancing and singing.
– Zachary Leiter, Deputy Managing Editor; Katherine Weaver, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 6:52 p.m.
As the sun begins to set, Kabbalat Shabbat services have started in the encampment. Around 50 people have gathered on a tarp to sing and pray together.
Organizers have set up a small table with an assortment of candles. A loaf of challah and bottles of grape juice sit by the candles.
Some worshippers are rocking back and forth and clapping as they sing and pray. Organizers passed around prayer and song books to participants.
A large sign reading “This Jew Says Ceasefire Now” is propped up behind the worshippers.
– Emma Janssen, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 6:37 p.m.
At 6:31 p.m., Dean of Students Michele Rasmussen sent an email to the UChicago community regarding the confrontation between protesters and counterprotesters that occurred this afternoon starting around 1 p.m. She emphasized that “using force or physical intimidation to carry out a protest is never acceptable,” and that the quad is a shared public space.
“As this morning’s message from President Alivisatos stated, the encampment on the Quad cannot continue, and we have called on the organizers to end it. In the meantime, it is vital for all members of our community to avoid actions that could undermine safety.”
— Tiffany Li and Katherine Weaver, Deputy News Editors
May 3, 6:33 p.m.
A Ph.D. student at the University has filed a police report for battery. During the confrontation between encampment participants and counterprotesters, between 12:15 and 12:50 p.m., he alleges that he was struck with a wooden shield. Footage reviewed by the Maroon shows the student standing with his hands up at the edge of the barricade before a protester thrusts the board forward, hitting him in the forehead and causing him to stumble back.
At the time of the incident, according to the student, the protesters were holding the wooden shields in a line and pushing people back from the barricade. The student said he held his ground and that the protester directly in front of him hit him with a board that had a Palestinian flag taped over it.
“They were definitely trying to hit me,” the student told the Maroon.
– Maroon Staff
May 3, 5:58 p.m.
An adult male was taken in handcuffs into the back of a UCPD vehicle. About 10 officers were at the scene as well as at least three UCPD cars and one UChicago Safety and Security car. The UCPD car with the arrested individual sped away with lights on. This is a developing story.
– Emma Janssen and Katherine Weaver, Deputy News Editors
May 3, 5:49 p.m.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement on X today at 5:23 p.m. about the situation at the University.
“Earlier today, I spoke with University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos, where I made clear my commitment to free speech and safety on college campuses,” the statement read. “My administration will continue to evaluate and assess these demonstrations as they develop.”
Johnson also noted that the mayor’s office has “been in contact with the Chicago Police Department and reaffirmed its commitment to deescalation and constitutional policing.”
At least 10 Chicago Police Department cars were present by the quad around 1 p.m. but left without confrontation.
– Emma Janssen, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 4:42 p.m.
Arthur Long, a fourth-year in the College who has helped lead a counterprotest against the encampment involving a number of fraternities, elaborated on the purpose of the gathering.
“We’re showing our pride and our love for our country and the freedom we have to go to this great university and live in this great country,” he said. “What is happening in Gaza right now is horrible. What happened on October 7 was horrible. All the Palestinian children getting bombed and killed is horrible. This isn’t a black-and-white issue. But the thing is, we can’t talk about those issues in a real, logical sense when we have stuff like this going on. Free open discourse only occurs when you can have free open discourse. [The encampment] impedes that.”
Long was then asked whether he believes the University should divest from Israel. “I don’t really feel strongly either way, honestly,” he responded.
Long believes that the protesters’ demands are too vague to truly help the war in Gaza. “Ultimately, this has been going on for 40, 50 years. What steps after the university [divests] are going to be actualized to help with peace in the region? They don’t have, really, a clear answer to that. So I think: go to class, have open, honest conversations, actually go out into the real world. Do something other than sitting on the quad and pooping in a tent,” he said.
Long was one of a number of students who attempted to hang the American flag up on the post in the middle of the quad at 12:30 p.m. and who was then blocked off by encampment protesters. When asked what ran through his head when confronted with protesters, Long replied: “I’m happy, I’m proud. You know, that’s exactly what America is built on. And to have all these other students [who had] just joined… stand behind me to do that, that makes me really proud not only to be an American, but a student at this university.”
— Finn Hartnett, News Reporter
May 3, 4:14 p.m.
Allied Universal officers are no longer blocking access to parts of the quad. A few officers remain in the center of the quad while others walk around the perimeter.
— Sabrina Chang, Deputy News Editor; Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon, News Reporter
May 3, 3:57 p.m.
UCPD officers are returning to the scene without riot gear.
The protesters are no longer in lines surrounding the encampment. Tensions have decreased and activity levels have returned to what they were prior to the counterprotesters’ arrival.
— Eva McCord, Co-Editor-in-Chief; Sabrina Chang and Katherine Weaver, Deputy News Editors
May 3, 3:41 p.m.
The majority of UCPD officers have left the quad and the line has dispersed; only five officers remain. The only officer in riot gear remaining is a deputy chief who arrived when tensions between protesters and counterprotesters were at their peak.
Fewer than 10 counterprotesters remain on the quad.
Five UCPD and three Allied Universal cars remain parked on South Ellis Avenue.
Despite the majority of counterprotesters leaving, Allied Universal is having supervisors bring more reinforcements to the quad.
— Nikhil Jaiswal, Co-Editor-in-Chief Emeritus; Sabrina Chang, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 3:27 p.m.
In an interview with the Maroon, UCUP member Uday Jain, a postdoctoral teaching fellow with the Committee on Social Thought, said that the University engaged in escalation by suggesting they would shut down the encampment and send in police.
“I want to emphasize that the whole [Popular] University for Gaza is an act of deescalation,” Jain said, referring to the name UCUP gave the encampment. “It’s an act of trying to deescalate the genocide. It’s an act of trying to deescalate hate towards Palestinian students, towards Arab students. It’s an act of peace.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 3:24 p.m.
UCUP released a statement on the Telegram UCUP Community Network. “Mobilization is no longer needed,” UCUP wrote at 3:15 p.m. “No arrests have been made and we have disbanded our blockade for now.”
The rally has since concluded.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 2:50 p.m.
Twenty-one Allied Security officers remain stationed in a line on the east side of the center of the quad. They are not allowing people to walk through their line.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 2:35 p.m.
A speaker told UCUP protesters on the outer edge of the protest to “stand your ground, we are not going anywhere.”
USG has released a statement on the quad protests. “[The Student Advocate’s Office is] ready and available to assist all undergraduate students facing disciplinary action, regardless of faith, ethnicity, and political affiliation,” they wrote.
The number of counterprotesters has decreased; about half of the original group remains. UCPD officers remain as a barrier between the two protests, but officers appear at ease. Officers with riot gear have masks raised and shields lowered. Encampment protesters are waving more than a dozen Palestinian flags.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 2:31 p.m.
A man holding an American flag from the group of counterprotesters on the east side of the quad tried to walk into the area on the west side of the quad where pro-Palestine protesters had gathered. UCPD escorted the man back to the east side of the quad.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 2:16 p.m.
In a statement to the Maroon, UCUP said they will “[remain] steadfast in holding the encampment but will not engage in escalation with police or Zionists.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 2:05 p.m.
“To this university, safety means armed officers,” a #CareNotCops speaker announced. “That is not safety.”
“Who keeps us safe?” the speaker shouted. “We keep us safe,” the crowd responded.
The speaker accused the University of being involved in “genocide from the South Side to Gaza.”
The prayer has concluded.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 2:00 p.m.
The Maroon briefly spoke to Arthur Long, a fourth-year in the College who led a counterprotest that began at noon today and has continued throughout the afternoon.
“I’m all for freedom of speech. And I love that UChicago protects that. It’s one of the reasons I came here. But you don’t have the freedom to vandalize, you don’t have the freedom to obstruct University walkways, and you don’t have the freedom to disrupt learning. Spraying ‘Death to America’ on buildings, chanting ‘Death to America,’” he said.
Long sent a message on Sidechat yesterday in an attempt to rally support for a patriotic counterprotest. “I just put up on Sidechat, ‘hey, 12:30, tomorrow, we’ll be marching to the quad to put the flag back up.’ That was our original intention.”
Long said the encampment was resistant to his protest. “They had their shields and everything. We weren’t gonna bust through. We don’t want to cause any violence or anything; that only works in their favor,” he said. “They started grabbing on us, I got my American flag grabbed, my friend had his speaker broken. And then we just pushed back to, you know, put our flags up, to celebrate this great country.”
Long and approximately 50 others are currently stationed on the east side of the quad across from the encampment. Many are waving American flags. Protesters draped in the flag of Israel have also joined them.
—Finn Hartnett, News Reporter
May 3, 1:58 p.m.
The Allied Security officers on the east side of the quad have set up a perimeter encircling the counterprotesters.
UCPD is in conversation with one of the students who called for the counterprotest.
The population on the quad remains at roughly 1,000.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 1:44 p.m.
“Right now, the risk of arrest is less. Please stay on the perimeter, but we do not need a hard blockade,” an encampment organizer announced over the loudspeaker. “We will alert you if we need a hard blockade.”
Another organizer then restarted chants.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 1:42 p.m.
A security person is handing yellow vests to Allied Security officers, who are lining up to stand on the perimeter of the center of the quad.
Police officers are asking members of the crowd to stand on either side, as they do not want people crossing the center of the quad.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 1:30 p.m.
Around 1:30 p.m., Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Alderman of the 25th Ward, began a speech speaking in front of the blockade. In March, the alderman came under pressure from colleagues for speaking at a rally protesting American support for Israel where a veteran burned an American flag in front of City Hall.
At the UChicago encampment, he thanked student protesters across the country for “standing up for injustice.” He called on the city of Chicago to protect student protesters. “Make sure [the University is] protecting the students and not allowing shameful attacks that we see in other campuses in the middle of the night,” he said.
— Elena Eisenstadt, Grey City Editor
May 3, 1:26 p.m.
There are now 25 police officers standing in line, alternating facing east and west down the line.
The prayer has started outside Kent Chemical Laboratory, with protesters holding up keffiyehs and Palestinian flags and forming a linked circle around them.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 1:19 p.m.
Twenty-three police officers, some in riot gear and others in standard uniform, have entered the center of the quad. They have formed a line between protesters from the encampment and counterprotesters who marched towards the encampment from the east side.
Officers are instructing demonstrators to back up from the center.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 1:13 p.m.
Ten CPD and five UCPD cars have arrived on South Ellis Avenue. Multiple UCPD officers have riot gear including helmets and plastic shields on the north side of the quad. There are eight UCPD officers on each side of the quad.
CPD officers are on the scene as well and have helmets and batons.
The wall of protesters facing Levi Hall has grown.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 1:06 p.m.
The University has sent out a cAlert telling the University community to avoid the quad and wrote that there have been “reports of physical altercations.”
Most of the counterprotesters have dispersed, but the UCUP encampment maintains a wall of protesters, chanting with arms linked and blocking both entrances to the encampment.
Sixteen UCPD officers are standing on the eastern side of the quad, most with helmets and some with shields. Some have batons in hand.
“If you are high risk, please leave the site,” a UCUP organizer announced.
—Maroon Staff
May 3, 1:04 p.m.
At least seven members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) are on the scene. There are several CPD cars parked on South Ellis Avenue, and officers have been spotted on at least two sides of the encampment.
The crowd in the center of the quad has grown significantly. UCUP organizers have set up a line of a mix of wooden and plastic shields facing the counterprotesters as they lock arms.
“Stand your ground, stay firm, do not escalate. We are winning,” the UCUP leader called as chants continued.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 12:52 p.m.
Police with riot gear have been spotted on the Midway.
There is close contact between the 100–200 people gathered in the center of the quad, holding umbrellas, American flags, and Palestinian flags. “How many kids did you kill today?” the protesters chant. Shields have been brought out by the protesters.
In a statement to the Maroon, Maroons for Israel (MFI) said they are not involved with the group of protesters who have marched towards the encampment and are now facing pro-Palestine protesters in the center of the quad.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 12:50 p.m.
The two opposing protests are now facing off across the center of the quad. On the west side of the center circle of the quad are the pro-Palestine protesters chanting “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest,” and “UChicago you can’t hide, you invest in genocide.”
One of the UCUP leaders has called for keffiyehs to be worn or held up.
The counterprotest is made up of Maroons for Israel picnic attendees, fraternity members, and others. They are waving American flags, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and chanting “U.S.A., U.S.A.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 12:48 p.m.
Students from several UChicago fraternities have begun marching towards the encampment, heading down South University Avenue on the eastern edge of the quad.
Two faculty for Justice in Palestine members have begun speaking. “Palestinians have the right to resist,” one of them announced. They ended their speech with a new chant: “What is education for? Not for genocide, not for war.”
“What do we as humanists hope to accomplish in the world?” the other faculty member from the humanities division at UChicago said. “[The Popular University] is a place where we can go to remind ourselves of the humanistic vision when our institutions fail us. Come and learn and come and mourn and talk about what’s happening in the region.”
The counterprotester march has increased to about 150 people.
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 12:35 p.m.
UCUP has begun a rally around the encampment with more than 200 protesters. The organizers brought out a set of speakers to amplify their chants as Maroons for Israel plays the American and Israel national anthems during its picnic.
The UCUP organizers are leading chants of “We want justice, you say how, UChicago divest now” and “Where does our tuition go? Bombing Gaza, hell no.” Drums are being pounded to the chants.
Inside the encampment, a small group of protesters are holding makeshift shields behind the giant front sign. They are waving three Palestinian flags to the chants.
In front of the rally, one protester is holding a circular shield that says “We keep us safe.” Another protester has a smaller black shield with the same text written on it.
“This morning we received an email from Paul, and Paul seems to have forgotten the reason we’re here,” one of the organizers announced. “We are here for simple reasons that we have brought to the negotiation table. They have refused to negotiate with us on our very simple demands. I do not think it requires a Ph.D. to understand those demands, but maybe I’m wrong.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 12:21 p.m.
Maroons for Israel began a picnic at around noon on the east side of the quad in front of Eckhart Hall, on the opposite side from the encampment. They hung American and Israeli flags from the lampposts and are playing songs, including “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” There are around 50 people in attendance, with several individuals waving American flags.
“Judaism is a very important part of my lifestyle, and to see the encampment is a direct threat to our people. That’s why we’re out here today for a picnic: in support of Israel, in support of America, and making sure that everyone’s voices are being heard,” a first-year at the picnic said.
When asked about the American flags, the student said, “It’s important that we recognize that we are Americans, first and foremost, and that we’re able to be seen, and we’re able to be present, and when things like the flags are being taken down and being replaced, it’s a direct attack against our freedoms as Americans.”
Yesterday, the protesters raised a Palestinian flag on the flag post in the middle of the quad after University Facilities Services took down the U.S. flag earlier due to inclement weather.
Eliza Ross, an organizer of the MFI event, said: “We are having a picnic for joy, Israeli and American pride, Jewish students to come together, and anyone who cares to join us. That is the entire point. It’s really about us and us alone.”
“It’s been a very, very hard week, I think for me and for many of us, and I’m hopeful that that difficult week will end first of all on a positive note and second of all with some action from our administration,” she said. “There’s no differentiation in the encampment and really in the Palestinian action here on campus, differentiating the celebration of a massacre and the celebration of continued terrorism of civilians and our brothers and sisters from, you know, political activism—from actual genuine steps towards peace.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 12:06 p.m.
Professor emeritus Jerry Coyne returned to the encampment with an unknown individual. Protesters yelled “Fascists go home” at Coyne. The pair left the encampment.
On Tuesday, a demonstrator accused Coyne of spitting on them. Coyne and professor Peggy Mason, who was with him at the time, denied the allegation.
— Peter Maheras, News Editor; Emma Janssen and Tiffany Li, Deputy News Editors
May 3, 11:52 a.m.
Participants of the encampment are conducting another training on using wooden shields in the middle of the encampment between the two wooden signs. A large group is echoing training leaders’ shouts of “Advance,” “Halt,” and “Back.”
– Eva McCord and Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editors-in-Chief; Tiffany Li, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 11:40 a.m.
A group of roughly six individuals from Maroons for Israel (MFI) have entered the quad and are placing American flags on light posts.
“We’re proud to be Americans,” one of the people raising a flag said.
The group hung up two American flags and two Israeli flags.
— Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editor-in-Chief; Peter Maheras, News Editor; Katherine Weaver, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 11:37 a.m.
A man was being body-blocked by participants of the encampment, who chanted “Go home, fascist.” Others chanted “Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe.” The participants body-blocked him until he was out of the encampment.
— Eva McCord and Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editors-in-Chief; Nikhil Jaiswal, Co-Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
May 3, 11:30 a.m.
UCUP posted its daily schedule on Instagram. At noon, UCUP will host a rally, followed by Jummah, the Friday prayer in Islam, at 1:15 p.m. At 2:30, Chicago Community Jail Support is hosting a teach-in, and at 6:30 the encampment will host Shabbat. At 7:45, after Maghrib, Rami Nashashibi (Ph.D. ’10), founder of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, is scheduled to give a speech.
– Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editor-in-Chief; Anu Vashist, Managing Editor
May 3, 11:23 a.m.
An individual entered the encampment attempting to film protesters. A group of protesters followed after him, holding a keffiyeh to block the camera and chanting “Fascist, go home.”
— Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon, News Reporter
May 3, 10:57 a.m.
A Christian prayer group of roughly 10 people set up outside the encampment on the quad at around 10 a.m. The group is part of the Corona Testing Control Group, which was started by Rachel Fulton Brown, an associate professor in the history department. The group was formed “in the context of the testing mandates for those of us who had been given exemptions from the vaccine,” said Fulton Brown.
When asked what brought the prayer group to the quad, Christopher Phillips, a third-year in the College, said they were “a prayer group to pray for peace both in the Middle East and on our campus. In a very nonpartisan way, we hope to promote peace and demonstrate against human suffering.”
Fulton Brown added that they were “praying for forgiveness, and specifically to the end of the cycle of vengeance that humanity is perpetually caught in.”
— Tiffany Li, Deputy News Editor; Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon, News Reporter
May 3, 10:55 a.m.
In their meeting with University President Paul Alivisatos and Provost Katherine Baicker on Thursday, UCUP organizers pressed the University on its divestment policy, partnerships with Israeli universities, disclosure of investments, and unwillingness to comment on the destruction of Palestinian universities, according to sources with knowledge of the meeting’s contents.
— Peter Maheras, News Editor; Nikhil Jaiswal, Co-Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
May 3, 10:35 a.m.
UCUP released a statement regarding a Thursday afternoon meeting with President Paul Alivisatos and Provost Katherine Baicker to “discuss the demands of student organizers,” which UCUP said “ended without resolution.”
In its statement, UCUP criticized the administrators for “refusing to make concrete steps forward” on the protesters’ demands and for not using the term “scholasticide” regarding the destruction of universities in Gaza. They said there were disparities in political neutrality regarding University statements around the Russian invasion of Ukraine compared to the conflict in Gaza.
“It is clear to UCUP that the University is negotiating in bad faith. UCUP refuses to accept President Alivisatos’ repeated condescending offer of a public forum to discuss ‘diverse viewpoints’ on the genocide, as this is clearly a poor attempt at saving face without material change,” reads a quote in UCUP’s statement from Christopher Iacovetti, a graduate student who participated in the meeting.
“UCUP stands unequivocally against genocide and with the people of Palestine until liberation,” the statement concluded.
— Tiffany Li, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 10 a.m.
The quad encampment has now been in place for 96 hours.
– Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 9:58 a.m.
University Facility Services has removed the chalk from the door of Kent Laboratory.
– Eva McCord and Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editors-in-Chief
May 3, 9:51 a.m.
University Facilities Services has removed the chalk and is in the process of removing graffiti from Levi Hall. A supervisor told the Maroon that Facilities planned to remove all markings on the buildings.
– Eva McCord, Co-Editor-in-Chief; Tiffany Li, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 9:21 a.m
UCPD and Allied Security officers are taking down the ribbon banner in front of Levi Hall. Pedestrians can now walk under the passage way.
– Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 9:12 a.m.
Faculty for Justice in Palestine (FJP) released a statement to the Maroon regarding President Alivisatos’s 8:41 a.m. email to University community members.
“FJP condemns President Alivisatos’ statement in the strongest possible terms. The administration has not negotiated in good faith with our students, offering them absolutely nothing in hastily arranged meetings. In light of the brutal police repression of students, faculty and staff across the country, threatening to forcefully dismantle the encampment is a serious escalation.”
— Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon, News Reporter
May 3, 9:07 a.m.
One UCPD officer is in front of Levi Hall.
– Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 8:56 a.m.
No officers are in front of Levi Hall. The ribbon banner remains.
– Kayla Rubenstein, Co-Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 8:41 a.m.
In an email sent to the University community titled “Effects of the Encampment,” President Paul Alivisatos addressed the University’s continued concerns over the state of the encampment and its “systematic disruption of campus.”
“But the encampment cannot continue,” Alivisatos wrote.
“I very much regret that we have not yet found common ground,” Alivisatos said. “On Monday, I stated that we would only intervene if what might have been an exercise of free expression blocks the learning or expression of others or substantially disrupts the functioning or safety of the University.”
“Without an agreement to end the encampment, we have reached that point.”
— Maroon Staff
May 3, 8:30 a.m.
UCUP instructed encampment participants to not confirm or deny their identity as students to anybody who asked, including to UCPD officers and other encampment participants. In the message, sent via Telegram and reviewed by the Maroon, UCUP also told student protesters to not show their UChicago IDs when asked.
“This is to make sure we are in solidarity + protect ALL those who have generously agreed to hold this space with us,” the message reads.
According to University policy, “If asked by such a University employee to show identification, UChicago ID carriers are required to show their card. If a student, employee, or academic visitor who is asked for identification has any concern about the request or believes that they were not treated appropriately during the interaction, that person must nonetheless comply with the request for identification.”
— Anu Vashist, Managing Editor; Tiffany Li, Deputy News Editor
May 3, 8:18 a.m.
The front entrance of Levi Hall is still blocked by UCPD officers and Allied Security officers.
— Zachary Leiter, Deputy Managing Editor
May 3, 7:52 a.m.
A Faculty for Justice in Palestine (FJP) faculty police liaison told the Maroon that 10 UCPD officers took down the Palestinian flag that had been raised over the encampment and returned it to protesters shortly before 5 a.m. According to the liaison, UCPD indicated that the University had determined that the flag was causing too much controversy and had to be removed. There was no confrontation between UCPD and protesters.
Later, at around 5:30 a.m., four Facilities Services workers arrived at the encampment and cut the flagpole’s rope, preventing any flags from being raised.
— Eva McCord, Co-Editor-in-Chief; Austin Zeglis, Senior News Reporter
May 3, 7:30 a.m.
The Palestinian flag raised on the flagpole over the encampment late yesterday afternoon was removed overnight. The flagpole’s halyard and the tape holding it down had both been cut, preventing any flags from being raised. The Palestinian flag hanging from a tree near Maroons for Israel’s installation was also removed.
— Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon, News Reporter
Lima / May 4, 2024 at 1:48 pm
UChicago President and administrators need to put an end to this encampment, which has broken university rules from the start, so it should never have been allowed to be set up. Firm leadership is urgently required now: if the encampment is not removed, then UChicago needs to enforce its rules by: 1)expelling students who refuse to take down the encampment 2) firing faculty involved in the encampment 3) getting UChicago police involved to remove the encampment. If Chicago’s police force can be there to help UChicago’s police/security, that would help as a bigger police presence would decrease the risk of resistance and violence breaking out, but if Mayor Johnson refuses to send city police to help, UChicago’s police will need to do it alone.
zman / May 4, 2024 at 3:32 am
Why isn’t this encampment out on the Midway? They have room there to chant, dance, and koombaya all day and night. Instead, they disrupt the daily activities of the university by squatting on the Quad. I recommend the UCLA resolution of this absurdity.
UofC and UCLA alum
NELC PhD Alum / May 4, 2024 at 12:17 am
Glad to see the wider younger generation is leading the way in trying to put an end to the injustice the Palestinians have endured for decades When I was a student at the U of C 3 decades ago, Palestinian rights were a very niche issue being championed only by a handful of Palestinian students.
The older generation and the politicians need to take notice, the winds have changed and whether it takes 1 month or 10 years, the status quo between Israel and Palestine will never be the same.
Jack / May 3, 2024 at 10:28 pm
Dear Maroon journalists, you have stumbled onto the story of a (young) reporter lifetime. Keep up the solid, unvarnished reporting. It will pay enormous dividends for your future.
As for the rest of we mortals, do not believe for a nanosecond that the protests have not been infiltrated by provocateurs, anarchists and recidivist Maoists (“perpetual revolution:” “all politics at the point of a gun;” blah, blah,blah. ) The line has been crossed. Those of us who took to the streets in ’68 had to maintain a constant vigilance against such nut-job disruptive influences in order to keep our goal in focus. Unfortunately, we see no such discipline among the current protestors. We helped end the Vietnam War. And now Vietnam is a splendid place to visit, and they like American tourists! My best clothes are made in Vietnam. History is weird and nothing is absolute. The current protestors seem to be against everything, and hence nothing at the same time. Good luck with that, but try some intellectual measure instead. You’re U of C students, for god’s sake. Fold up the effing tents and agree to talk.
Pedro / May 3, 2024 at 10:00 pm
Confirmed: Callie Maidhof is an idiot. Fellow students – avoid her at all costs.
Also, holy cow the maroon is bending over backwards to put the protestors in a good light. Pretty gross.
Kenwood Jones / May 3, 2024 at 9:51 pm
I’m having a hard time finding a clear, verbatim list of the protestors’ demands. Can someone please share an accurate list here?
Prab / May 3, 2024 at 9:51 pm
These kids clearly didn’t live through 9/11.
Anonymous / May 3, 2024 at 9:07 pm
Could the Maroon please provide context to this encampment? The president issued a statement about what was expected of students and what would happen if they did not comply with time, place, and manner restrictions. Those restrictions have clearly been violated.
Has this happened in the past without repercussion? Or is this protest breaking decades of precedent that required protestors to abide by the same rules? If this has happened in the past, when? If this has not happened in the past, is UChicago breaking their rules of neutrality by permitting this to continue? If they are, why? And does that show tacit support for the protestors?
This would be important context. Also, an update on all the ways the protestors have violated codes, if they have, would provide important context. If they haven’t, we should know that as well.
Jenna / May 3, 2024 at 7:02 pm
Curious the maroon only mentioned protestor violence several hours later once a police report was filed
Harv Golob / May 3, 2024 at 6:36 pm
The problem has arisen because the administration lacked backbone and did not stop the illegal demonstration, against stated policy, to continue. Without backbone, the weak administration allowed the protestors to think that the administration had no spine, so the protestsors just kept puhing in the door. This arose because the politicians and university admin somehow did not get the message regarding these protests from around the country. they are organized by outside groups, and they have a plan of action. Keep pusing until the door collapses. finally the admin got hte message and has started to enforce normal and ordinary school and legal policies.
Terry / May 3, 2024 at 4:03 pm
Based on his comments, I can’t quite tell if Uday needs more of less education.
Student / May 3, 2024 at 3:37 pm
I hope all these incredibly bigoted, racist and hateful comments made by “Alum” and others here don’t represent the wider UChicago community. Atleast our generation is united against bigotry. Anyone actually on campus can see how peaceful the encampment is and how it’s the Zionist counterprotestors who have been constantly trying to provoke and harass students.
Second year in the college / May 3, 2024 at 3:46 pm
The UCUP have weapons, shields, are screaming at non-protestors that we are fascists for even walking through the camp. They ask for tourniquet donations, narcan donations, and refuse photography inside the camp. Many of those in the tents are not students, and are instead older men who are sleeping in close proximity to teenage girls, which is beyond a safety “issue.” Not only that, but the protestors continue to call for violent uprisings against Jews, as well as writing grafitti including “Palestine or GTFO” and “Fascist pigs not welcome.” Nothing about Popular University is peaceful, and the USA is finally beginning to see that.
A Pal for Palestine / May 3, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Yes, just like Martin Luther King did. ♀️
Maybe if they offer him a free foot rub and ask extra nicely to divest from a genocide he’ll consider possibly thinking about—- oh boy!
Beth P / May 3, 2024 at 3:47 pm
You list your name as “student” on your comments. Sadly that means that you are likely a UChicago student, albeit one who does not seem to recognize the irony of your own comment. Congrats on getting into the school despite this lack of critical thinking. You speak of your generation being united against bigotry, yet the “peaceful” encampment you speak of is glorifying terrorists and is ripping down permitted Israeli and American flags. How in the world do you see that as being united against bigotry? If only you could understand how ridiculous you sound.
UIUC Rocket Scientist / May 3, 2024 at 4:04 pm
The term “Zionist” is not being used in a hate-neutral manner and is fundamentally not a hate-neutral term.
If you are not looking for escalation and confrontation, perhaps a different term might be in order.
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 7:28 pm
“Bigotry” and “racism,” “privilege” and “hate” are nothing but the faceless accusations of post-modern progressive snowflakes. The world, my dear boy, is filled with much scarier monsters.
The Portrait of Hanna Gray / May 3, 2024 at 3:22 pm
These militarized protestors with all their chants and shield-wielding are drawing inspiration from the wrong chapters of the canon. If they really wanted Alivisatos’ attention they’d build a giant edible arrangement, present it as a gift to the Board of Trustees, and then burst forth at the next meeting to present their demands.
North Carolinian / May 3, 2024 at 2:36 pm
Kudos to the Maroon for their coverage
Austin Bean, '04 / May 3, 2024 at 2:08 pm
I’m curious if the President is comfortable with the camp moving to the Midway? I’m skeptical of the Admin’s claim that protesters are “… monopolizing areas of the Main Quad” from the pictures I’m seeing.
I don’t have a complete picture of everything the protesters are doing but from what I’m reading this seems like it should be protected free expression. Is the real desire of the admin to end the encampment or to permit freer movement on the quad? Surely if it’s really the latter then there’s a compromise position just a block away?
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 2:47 pm
Free expression shouldn’t be confused with filth, rioting, screaming, and harassing others. No need to be a 1960’s cliche, it’s not even avantgarde anymore. Just be a nice boy who showers once a day and maintains good manners and hygiene.
Student / May 3, 2024 at 3:31 pm
Only the counterprotestors were doing that. As a result, police had to intervene. The encampment has continously been peaceful. You have no idea what’s going on here so please don’t speak about things you don’t even know.
Dr Chicagk Alum / May 4, 2024 at 9:32 pm
Student prevaricater, you assume that the alums have not been present to witness your violence. We have seen your radicalization on campus and we don’t appreciate it. You
are incapable of seeing how your actions are an ananthma to the very foundation of UChicago.
You have chosen to side with terrorists and you have infact, become one. When the U of C opted to admit activists instead of academics, this is the result.
The alums take pride in seeing all sides and coming to the table to find a solution. Your
refusal to even engag and physical violence, in addition to your University property and disruption of those who desire to learn, are the reasons why you are receiving little support from us. You are
unproven demanding young adults who have contributed nothing to the working world and are destroying a well respected learning environment due to the influence of those that radicalized you. You learned nothing from the valuable education you have been offered.
The Portrait of Hannah Gray / May 3, 2024 at 1:34 pm
“A large group is echoing training leaders’ shouts of ‘Advance,’ ‘Halt,’ and ‘Back.’”
What I wouldn’t give for just 30 seconds of footage capturing the protestors practicing their shield formations.
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 2:41 pm
At least this new, lower sort generation of students still retains a healthy uchicago nerdiness.
Alexi Assmus / May 4, 2024 at 11:02 am
My guess is they were preparing for an attack like the one that occurred against the Gaza encampment at U.C.L.A. when over a hundred thugs attacked the protestors. I tried to post the link to the Reuters photos of the attack and also the video posted by the LA Times higher education reported on the scene @TeresaWatanabe but comments don’t let me.
EightiesAlum / May 3, 2024 at 1:03 pm
In the midst of blind hatred and potential menace, the MFI has a picnic. What an excellent and positive thing to do at the end of a terrible week.
I grew up in a medium-sized Southern city. The Jewish population was small but, as my mother said, “They are the reason we have an art museum, opera, the symphony, and ballet.” In short, they are one of the reasons “we can have nice things” in America.
A picnic is the perfect “nice thing” to answer to your opponents. What is that saying?
“They tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat.”
Enjoy your afternoon on the quad that belongs to everyone and have a great weekend.
Observer / May 6, 2024 at 3:10 pm
Were you on campus when this picnic happen? Then surely you saw a mob –many frat boys–wielding American flags (with some Israeli sprinkled in) parade toward the encampment which was minding its own business on the other side of the Quad.
They could have enjoyed their picnic blasting “Party in the USA”, Kid Rock, and “Born in the USA” (which ironically Springsteen sang in criticism of the US) but instead chose to *march all the way to the other side of the quad* to get in the face of the encampment and instigate clashing.
I was there. I literally have on video the “leader” at the front of the pack angrily screaming “take the F*cking mask off!” as he approached the pro-Palestinians. I saw 2 dressed in costume of what looked like the founding fathers. The whole thing was giving a KKK racist MAGA vibe…
I did no see anyone from the encampment walk over to to the other side of the quad to start anything with the picnic goers.
I later saw the Maroon post that one of the dude’s in the parade waiving American flags (likely the leader of the pack) claim they “did not want violence” and were simply walking over to replace the flag that was taken down or something. I wonder why one of the was screaming and swearing then? Sure didn’t look like he didn’t want violence. What’s more he played victim claiming they were harmed by the pro-Palestinians after marching all the way across the quad by choice and getting in their face…
What an excellent and positive picnic
Publius / May 3, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Shut it down. This has gone on way too long. They don’t get to “demand” anything. They’ve made their point. Let them exercise their free speech through social media, properly scheduled meetings, and short-term focused rallies. Expel any students still in the encampment. Fire any professors still in the encampment.
student / May 3, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Future historians will have plenty to analyze here, like MFI’s move towards MAGA. I would like to hear them come out and admit that arming Israel is, for them, worth electing a sociopath who degrades women and takes inspiration from Mein Kampf. My friends who are in the tents are among the most decent people I know, and I’m keeping my eye on the bottom line: Alivisatos and the board’s underlying opposition to transparency, to human rights, to Palestinian life and dignity, to Palestinian academics and institutions of higher education. Don’t be fooled by the veneer of civility: our admins are flat-out on the wrong side of history.
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 2:52 pm
Paraphrasing Galadriel, you are nameless, formless, witless, education-less. You are a hysteric without a sense of proportion or moderation imagining herself as Rosa Parks while consuming Uber-Eats-delivered noodles. Go back into the void!
SP / May 3, 2024 at 3:05 pm
MAGA? What proof of that have you? Because they’re standing up for their people, for democracy, against Anti-Semitism and terrorists? Shame on you. Go pick up a history book, dolt.
Perhaps you’d like to go sit with your “decent people” at UPenn who when faced with the footage from 10/7 – from the GoPros of the murderers chanted ” liar, liar, colonizer”. Your entire generation are spoiled brats – demanding “dental dams”, GF & Vegan food, portable chargers, and Divacups! You’re a joke.
John Welch / May 3, 2024 at 3:11 pm
Well said, “student”. I have not been to the Quads since 1969, but I know the buildings. The encampment has kept well away from classroom buildings, the Administration Building, and the new Regenstein Library. Chalking slogans, and the Maroon’s photos look like chalk, does not amount to vandalism, unless Ed Levi’s successor is pumping up a balloon of dishonest reasons to bring in the Chicago Police to arrest everyone and the to expel the students.
I’m John Welch, x’70, one of the leaders in the 1969 sit-in and once a Managing Editor of the Maroon.
I am pleased that UCUP demands that The University stop grinding down Woodlawn. That was one of our two demands, from all of us having arrived in Hyde Park to see that UC had demolished building found top have black people living in them. Chicago also flattened 55th Street, home of jazz clubs and of the Compass Players — they took themselves northward and renamed themselves Second City.
Julian Levi, brother of Ed and “master-mind” of Hyde Park urban renewal, next turned his thoughts toward Woodlawn. We warned that black removal would remain an issue of University of Chicago racism even as Chicago expelled 50 of us and suspected another 150. It’s back.
Anon Minority / May 3, 2024 at 11:12 am
Can the Maroon set up a live stream camera? I would like to follow the nukery of these affirmative actionites from the quad live—police, excavators, hazmat cleanup crew…the whole shebang.
Tyra / May 3, 2024 at 10:45 am
From the Midway to Max P, campus will be free (of these inane protestors)
Jack / May 3, 2024 at 10:43 am
President Alivisatos’s emailed statement was appropriately measured, but it clearly lays the predicate for what comes next: “the encampment has created systematic disruption;” “violations of policies have only increased;” “left to itself there is no end in sight.” He has given them (UCUP and others) an off-ramp to a principled way to “advance their views,” which they have now seem to have spurned. I think we all know where this is headed, and let’s hope it can be accomplished with minimum hurt to the University’s prestige and honor. The alternative is continued escalation, vitriol and disruption as happened at Columbia, UCLA, etc. Hardly the prescription one would expect from those espousing “permanent ceasefire.”
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 12:13 pm
The most elegant way to end this, with minimum police involvement, is to simply expel all involved. Who needs them anyway? These are not scholars in any sense, just agitators passing the coddled college years in acrimony and cosplay. They don’t belong in the serene and leafy environment of a reputable university where one is expected to humbly learn but in a freakshow or a padded cell.
Joe / May 3, 2024 at 9:33 am
FJP: cry me a river. The university owes these punks absolutely nothing. They let their free speech be heard and now it’s time to pack up.
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 10:10 am
FJP are basically all barren harpies who only exist in the Hellish dimension of “social justice” and “advocacy.” In another storyline, they would be a surly HR lady or a disaffected goth girl.
Karen A Ziffer / May 3, 2024 at 2:37 pm
That is perhaps the most sexist comment I have read in a long time. Protests aside “barren harpies” “HR lady” “goth girl” seriously? Is the only way you know how to make an argument is to degrade women? Unworthy of this forum.
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 2:54 pm
Physiognomy doesn’t lie.
Minke / May 3, 2024 at 9:09 am
I thought Cups United said they wouldn’t meet with Paul? Was that a lie? Are we not able to trust them?
Lena / May 3, 2024 at 9:05 am
Cupheads trying to hide how many protestors are outside actors, nice.
Xavier / May 3, 2024 at 9:03 am
Paul should write a screenplay or something, that last comment in his note was
EightiesAlum / May 3, 2024 at 8:34 am
So, 10 (please tell me that was a typo) UCPD officers show up in the wee hours to take down a flag. Then, four Facilities Services workers come to cut the flagpole rope.
With a total of 14 people participating in this pathetic gesture, even signaling total capitulation to a mob of rape, infanticide, and necrophilia apologists comes with a steep price tag.
Wonder what this hot mess is costing. The timing is not good. Tis the season to flog alumni for donations and bequests. I doubt they are thrilled to know their gifts to the University are supporting this nonsense. It is also the time of year that parents of graduating HS seniors get to contemplate how sending Junior to an elite school with a hidden “radical tax” will affect their family finances.
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 10:15 am
This alumni will absolutely never donate again if they violently assault peaceful students protesting a genocide.
Zionists trying not to project their own crimes seems to be literally be impossible. Maybe you should sit down old man and listen to the students who clearly know better than you.
EightiesAlum / May 3, 2024 at 11:06 am
When (if) they clear the encampment, I think more alumni will support than oppose it. I am willing to bet those who would support this necessary hygiene donate more money than Hamas apologists (because they have spent their lives being productive rather than destructive).
I don’t know which “they” you refer to who might intend to “violently assault” students. However, if someone decides to clear the encampment, whether the outcome is violent or not will depend on the campers. As I see it, they are free to leave. It is looking like that would be a wise choice.
Genocide is a strong word. If someone is promoting genocide in the West Bank and Gaza, they are not having much success as the populations there have grown. Quite the opposite of genocide.
First sentence in the second paragraph . . . can’t quite understand this. Is this a bad Google translation from Arabic?
Sitting down, for me, would be tantamount to kneeling. I’m not some craven university administrator. I’ll die on my feet before I live on my knees.
The similarity between the antics of students across the US is astounding but not a chance occurrence. Nineteen year olds who impulsively imitate the latest fad can’t say they “clearly know better” than me or anyone. They are the ones who need to listen rather than emoting and chanting.
And, by the way, are the campers even students? It seems that almost one-half of those arrested at Columbia and CCNY were not students at those schools. When (if) arrests are made, it will be interesting to see who they find.
Alum / May 3, 2024 at 8:21 am
I appreciate FJP for being the perfect self-caricature: frumpy, disagreeably-looking mostly she-academics whose charity skips their neighbors, community, and nation, only to performatively screech about remote and abstract causes. Today Palestine, tomorrow the climate, never the soup kitchen a block away.
Anon Minority / May 3, 2024 at 8:13 am
This is terrorism.
This is a biohazard.
This is anarchy.
This is affirmative action at work.
John Welch, once Managing Editor, Chiccago Maroon / May 3, 2024 at 11:13 am
A MAGA spills “wisdom”
Anon Minority / May 3, 2024 at 11:24 am
Not a MAGGot—merely a disillusioned minority who has enough sense to recognize they are more privileged than the oppressors the affirmative actionites on the quad have imagined for themselves.
I do not live in a state of perpetual victimhood.
I shower.
I accept I was admitted here under inferior standards.
I acknowledge that the histrionics of these…hyenas disgrace every single one of us on campus, and confirm that the University has diluted the caliber of its students through ethnic preferences.
I know what you are, and it isn’t pleasant. Now begone.
Anon Minority / May 3, 2024 at 8:09 am
Affirmative action.
Affirmative action.
Affirmative action.
Day five of this siege of campus by affirmative action admits. Do not forget how we got here.
This is terrorism. Foreign agents have invaded the quad and desecrated the American flag. When I braved this occupied dominion yesterday, I remarked a sign that said “COP FREE ZONE.” Anarchy reigns. Alivisatos and the wokerati in U of C’s administration have been usurped.
This is lunacy. The he- and she-protestors are bathing in filth, have declared themselves above the rule of law, and are frothing at the mouth with bile and incoherence. Campus has been turned a fortress for the juvenile-minded.
Where are our leaders? Where are the excavators?
We, the sane students, faculty, and community members of this place, must regain control…
Affirmative action.
Affirmative action.
Affirmative action.
Do not forget how we got here.