Students and community members launched a week-long protest and installation outside Swift Hall marking the one-year anniversary of the 2024 pro-Palestine encampment, resulting in multiple confrontations with campus police throughout the week.
The complaint alleges that the decision to remove fourth-year Manuel Rivera from on-campus housing and place him on an involuntary leave of absence was a violation of both the First Amendment and Illinois and Chicago housing law.
At a press briefing, Mamayan Jabateh, formerly identified by UCUP as “Student B.,” spoke about their arrest by CPD in December. UCUP did not offer reporters the chance to ask questions during the event.
Around 40 protesters briefly rallied outside Harper Memorial Library before delivering a petition with over 1,500 signatures to the Office of the Dean of Students in the College, calling for the reversal of a student’s involuntary leave of absence.
The student, who has not been identified publicly, was placed on involuntary leave and removed from University housing on October 21, according to his lawyer.
A fourth-year was arrested by the Chicago Police Department at the October 11 pro-Palestine protest and charged with Class 2 Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer.
The Maroon captured scenes throughout the protest, from the end of the quad rally to when demonstrators dispersed from the area between Ratner Athletic Center and the Court Theatre.
A pro-Palestine rally saw three protesters arrested and physical altercations between protesters and officers. Earlier, protesters locked Cobb Gate using a bike lock, and multiple police officers used pepper spray and batons. Protesters damaged UCPD vehicles and kicked at least one officer.
