Anti-Israel demonstrators gathered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus on Saturday ahead of a graduation ceremony.
According to ABC 11, the protest was held at the campus’ Peace and Justice Plaza, where the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine celebrated the suspended seniors who participated in the protest at UNC.
“We know that the Palestinian liberation movement is guided by sacrifice and a deep love for its people,” UNC’s Palestine Justice Students said in an Instagram post. “Amnesty for our students is tied to our determined fight against genocide in Palestine, and we welcome you to join us in taking back our universities. Bring the keffiyeh. Bring the joy. . Bring your voice.”
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Protesters stamp a red handprint stain on the Chancellor’s Office at UNC-Chapel Hill on Saturday, May 11, 2024. (Fox News Digital Image Direct)
After the celebration, the group marched around campus carrying picket signs and tents, arriving at the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower near Kenan Memorial Stadium several hours before the 7 p.m. graduation ceremony.
Demonstrators marched to the South Building, which houses the prime minister’s official residence, with some chanting while others threw red paint on the stairs and placed red handprints on pillars. Some demonstrators wrote on buildings with chalk.
A group of several dozen protesters gathered on the lawn surrounding the old well and began chanting as students and families took graduation photos. Demonstrators then observed a 15-minute silence in honor of the thousands of people killed in Gaza since October, when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, leading to Israeli military retaliation.
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On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the steps of the Chancellor’s Office at UNC-Chapel Hill are defaced with red paint. (Fox News Digital Image Direct)
“There are a lot of students who have been assaulted, who have been arrested, who are not going to graduate today,” student protester Samuel Scarborough said at the demonstration. “Students are banned from campus. So the response is not business as usual, there is no justice, there is no peace.”
UNC graduate Alicia Buckminster said, “As UNC graduates, we had the Class of 2020 stolen from us in high school. So tonight, we’re celebrating graduation the right way by celebrating with our entire class.” I just hope that I can do it.” . ”
Police then removed the protesters from the area.
University police officers stand guard in front of the President’s Building at UNC-Chapel Hill on Saturday, May 11, 2024. (Fox News Digital Image Direct)
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The protests came after recent demonstrations resulted in clashes between anti-Israel demonstrators and law enforcement at an encampment set up at Polk Place. The university announced that 36 demonstrators who did not comply with orders to disperse were detained.
Six of the protesters detained at Polk Place were arrested and charged with trespassing, but were later released on written promises to appear. Three of the arrested protesters are UNC students, and the remaining three are not affiliated with UNC.
