Police moved to clear an encampment at Yale University in Connecticut on Tuesday morning, but there were no immediate reports of arrests.
In a statement obtained by FOX News, the university said: “Yale University officials on Sunday afternoon warned protesters at an encampment on Yale’s Cross Campus that if they did not end the encampment they would be subject to university regulations. “We have issued a final warning that disciplinary action will be taken, including suspension from school for violations and arrest for trespassing.” ”
“All protesters have chosen to leave the encampment, and the university is in the process of removing tents and other items from the area. Over the past few days, administrators have asked protesters to “The encampments and activities violate university policies and interfere with academic activities,” the statement continued, “and university operations.”
The university said that Yale University Dean Pericles Ruiz had tried unsuccessfully to convince protesters that there were other ways to get their message heard than by occupying the cross-campus. ”, said the tent encampments “were located near student dormitories, libraries, and universities.” In the classroom, many students are writing term papers and studying for final exams. ”
“As President Salovey outlined in a message to the Yale community on Monday, Yale fully supports peaceful protest and free speech. However, we insist on control of our shared spaces. This is inconsistent with our principles and values,” the statement added. “The University does not tolerate violations of long-standing policies regarding the use of outdoor spaces on campus, the use of posters or chalking, or amplified audio. Yale’s rules regarding freedom of expression and peaceful assembly ensure that the community We exist to ensure that all members have equal access to campus and are able to engage in all university functions. ”
The university said some demonstrators remained in the area and on nearby streets after leaving the camp, but “no arrests have been made this morning.”
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The Yale Daily News, an independent student newspaper, reported that Yale and New Haven police surrounded the cross-campus quad encampment with warning tape starting around 6 a.m., warning anyone who entered the restricted area. It was previously reported that he had announced that he would be subject to arrest and suspension. they didn’t leave. New Haven Police Department spokesman Officer Christian Brookhart said no arrests had been made as of 7:30 a.m.
New Haven Police Chief Carl Jacobson speaks to the Yale University protesters through a megaphone, warning them not to block traffic. (Fox News)
New Haven Police Department confirmed to FOX News Digital that 29 officers were sent “at the request of Yale University to assist in removing protesters from Cross Campus.”
“No arrests have been made at this time. NHPD does not plan to make any arrests unless they enter the roadway,” a police spokesperson said.
“Everyone is out of the tent and off campus. There’s probably a group of 30 or 40 people on the sidewalk, but so far there have been no arrests,” Brookhart told Fox News Digital. he said.
Anti-Israel demonstrators at Yale University. (Fox News)
New Haven Police Chief Carl Jacobson told protesters through a megaphone that they would not be allowed to cross campus until Yale police cleared the area. When Mr Jacobson went on to warn that no one would be arrested in their current location and asked that protesters not “obstruct traffic or enter the roadways”, demonstrators chanted “shame”. ,shouted.
According to the student newspaper, protesters began chanting “YPD, KKK, IDF, we’re all the same” around 8 a.m., and the group swelled to about 60 people on College Street.
One student organizer reportedly told the crowd, “Guys, they were so scared of what we had created that they pushed us back not once, not twice, but three times.”
“What we’ve done here is create a community that doesn’t rely on the police to keep us safe,” the anonymous organizing group added, according to the Yale Daily News.
Sabrina Wood, a Yale police officer, told the student newspaper that officers were searching the campus for valuables such as medicine, phones and computers.
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Anti-Israel demonstrators carried fake missiles with the words “Paid for by Yale University.” (Fox News)
Wood said personal items will be available at the Yale Police Department late Tuesday afternoon, while other items, such as tents and blankets, will be taken to the Yale Facilities Department.
Monday’s police action comes after Yale University President Peter Salovey issued a statement Sunday calling for civility, saying in a statement to members of the Yale community that “nighttime encampments, flags, posters, banners, The use of tents and ropes, however, argues that placing campus spaces in the perspective of a single individual or group is detrimental to the free exchange of ideas.
He described how “protesters set up rows of tents across campus and restricted access to the encampment,” adding, “Protesters who wish to pass through or access their areas of common campus space “We asked individuals to agree with their political views.”
New Haven police used a megaphone to warn demonstrators that they would not be allowed to return to campus until officers cleared the anti-Israel encampment. (Fox News)
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“This behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the very purpose of the university,” Salovey said. “I urge all parties involved, both protesters and counter-protesters, to comply with fundamental values of intellectual freedom, comply with university policies, and encourage civil discussion on campus.” We invite you to return to voicing your opinions in a way that allows you to do so without further disruption or violation of policy or law.”
FOX News’ Tamara Gitt, Chris Pandolfo and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
