Citing Rules, UConn Police Intervene At Campus Protest, 25 Arrested

STORRS, CT — University of Connecticut officials Tuesday said police intervention at a pro-Palestinian rally on campus was the result of the participants ignoring rules reiterated late last week.

Police Tuesday morning began breaking up a tent city set up as part of the protest.

UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said that, on Friday in anticipation of the protest gathering popularity, university officials shared guidelines on large outdoor gatherings with the campus community. "Tents, tarps and encampments" are prohibited, according to the guidelines.

The guidelines also stipulate, "Such gatherings are of course permitted. However, safety, health, and basic community standards need to be recognized and maintained, both in the interest of those who are gathering as well as other community members who may be impacted."

Reitz said, by Monday afternoon, the tents numbered about 20 and the group "continued to use amplified sound."

She said the protesters were warned multiple times "over a period of days" that free speech rights would be respected, but without the tents.

"This was ignored," Reitz said.

She said UConn police directed the participants four times on Tuesday morning to remove the tents and disperse, and they "again repeatedly ignored the directives."

That's when officers then entered the site to remove the tents and tarps, and to arrest those who "refused compliance," she said.

In all, 25 were arrested for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. Of those arrested, 24 are currently enrolled UConn students and one is a former student, Reitz said.

She said federal privacy rules "preclude institutions from confirming or discussing potential disciplinary actions involving students."