Louisiana State Police cleared an encampment of anti-Israel protesters at Tulane University early Wednesday morning, arresting 14 people during the operation.
As with campuses across the country, protesters had occupied Tulane’s lawn for several days prior to the police action. Police first attempted to disperse the crowd at 3 a.m. local time. However, many demonstrators remained seated and refused to leave, and police eventually arrested eight women and six men. According to NOLA.com.
The encampment was evacuated by 4:30am.
Tulane University administrators and police held a press conference Wednesday morning after police cleared the area. New Orleans Police Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick said police waited two days before taking action.
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Louisiana State Police cleared an encampment of anti-Israel protesters at Tulane University early Wednesday morning, arresting 14 people during the operation. (AP)
“We wanted to make sure people had a voice but didn’t break the law,” Kirkpatrick said. “This is protected property. We wanted to give them the opportunity to leave peacefully and not infringe on the rights of others as well.”
The operation at Tulane took place on the same night that New York City police cracked down on anti-Israel demonstrators who had invaded and occupied a building on Columbia University’s campus.
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The Colombian government has also tried to tolerate protests as much as possible, but officials said they had “no choice” after protesters stormed Hamilton Hall.
A counter-demonstrator holding an Israeli flag stands across from an anti-Israel agitator at Tulane University in New Orleans. (AP)
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As major year-end events approach, universities across the country are resorting to more direct measures to quell student protests. Columbia University reaffirmed its commitment to holding a graduation ceremony despite the unrest. The event is scheduled for May 15th.
However, not all universities are so confident. The University of Southern California canceled its major graduation ceremony last week.
Anti-Israel demonstrators gathered in front of Tulane University in New Orleans on Monday night. (AP)
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Columbia University initially attempted to negotiate with student protesters, but the school’s president, Minoush Shafik, announced in a statement earlier this week that negotiations were unsuccessful.
