Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon

UCPD officers observe the demonstrations on the main quad.

A group of about 60 protesters gathered Monday afternoon on the main quad to mark the one-year anniversary of UChicago United for Palestine’s (UCUP) “Popular University for Gaza” encampment. The protest, which occupied the area in front of Swift Hall, was not officially registered with the University according to deans-on-call and University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) officers present during the demonstration.

Deans-on-call, who arrived shortly after the protest began, repeatedly warned demonstrators that they were violating University policies. By 1:10 p.m., seven deans-on-call and about 25 protesters were present, with the number of demonstrators growing to around 60 at the event’s peak at approximately 1:45 p.m. Roughly two dozen UCPD officers were stationed around the quad, including near Rosenwald Hall, in front of the protesters, and near Eckhart Hall where the alumni weekend tent is being constructed.

Protesters began using megaphones to lead chants at 1:22 p.m. Deans-on-call warned individuals multiple times to cease using amplified sound, citing University policy. “You are in violation of our student policies…. Please stop,” one dean-on-call shouted repeatedly at protesters with megaphones.

According to the University’s “Outdoor Events on Campus” policy, “the use of noise-making devices is permitted on University property generally only between noon and 1:00 p.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.”

Protesters installed a large banner between two trees reading “Free Palestine, Bring the Intifada Home” and another with a quote attributed to Ho Chi Minh, reading, “When the prison doors are opened, the real dragon will fly out!” Deans-on-call reported to UCPD that the event was not sanctioned and that organizers had refused to provide identification when asked. Several legal observers from the National Lawyers Guild were also present.

At around 2:50 p.m., UCPD officers and deans-on-call demanded that protesters who used megaphones earlier in the day provide identification. Protesters responded by locking arms, though the group quickly began to disperse after officers continued to request names and dates of birth. While most demonstrators exited the quad, UCPD officers briefly surrounded and questioned one individual who did not produce an ID. The officers eventually left the scene, leaving the individual alone.

Per the University’s “ChicagoCard” policy (retaining original formatting), “Individuals occupying University spaces or using University resources should understand that on occasion they may be asked to show identification or their ChicagoCard to a University employee whose role includes ensuring that only authorized individuals are present on University property or in facilities operated by the University, or that only authorized individuals are using certain University resources. If asked by such a University employee to show identification, UChicago ID carriers are required to show their card.”

Protesters resumed chanting shortly after 3 p.m., but the group gradually dwindled throughout the afternoon. Organizers hosted teach-ins with the community organizations GoodKidsMadCity and Real Youth Initiative. The final demonstrators packed up and left the quad at around 6:50 p.m., though they left their secured banner behind.

The protest marked the beginning of a week of programming, according to a UCUP Instagram post. “The Trump Administration is pursuing a fear-based fascistic agenda through kidnappings. UChicago continues its investments in genocide and its occupation, policing, surveillance and gentrification of the South Side. Fuck this shit, we’re fighting back,” the post reads.

The University’s response to Monday’s protest reflects shifts in campus protest management since last year’s encampment. Following the 2024 “Popular University for Gaza” encampment, which occupied the main quad for nine days, the University revised or clarified many of its protest policies. Under the new guidelines, overnight occupation of tents or other structures is banned and all demonstrations and installations require advance registration.

According to the University’s Protests and Demonstrations Policy, “The right of freedom of expression at the University includes peaceful protests and orderly demonstrations. At the same time, the University has long recognized that the right to protest and demonstrate does not include the right to engage in conduct that disrupts the University’s operations or endangers the safety of others.”

As of time of publication, the University had not responded to a request for comment.

Grace Beatty, Natalie Earl, Aaryan Kumar, Peter Maheras, and Nathaniel Rodwell-Simon contributed reporting.