Dozens arrested at pro-Palestinian protest at UT
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Law enforcement officers in riot gear at the University of Texas on Wednesday. Photo: Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images
Dozens of people at the University of Texas were arrested by law enforcement Wednesday at a pro-Palestinian protest.
Why it matters: The confrontations between police and protesters over the Israel-Hamas war that have shaken universities across the country have now materialized at UT.
Driving the news: The Palestinian Solidarity Committee of Austin had urged students to walk out of class and rally at UT's South Lawn Wednesday.
- The arrests came amid a major show of force by police, including the deployment of dozens of state troopers on horses and in riot gear.
- A Fox 7 Austin photographer also was arrested, the outlet confirmed.
- An attorney with the Austin Lawyers Guild said about 54 people were being held at the Travis County Jail related to the protest, per the Statesman.
What they're saying: "These protesters belong in jail," Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X, accusing the protesters of hate speech.
- "Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled," Abbott said.
- UT President Jay Hartzell said in a statement Wednesday evening that the university had enforced its rules "while protecting the Constitutional right to free speech."
The other side: "UT Austin goes from firing staff to arresting students in a span of a month," Shawntal Z. Brown, a doctoral student in the Program of Higher Education Leadership and Policy at UT, wrote on X.
- She was referring to the laying off of at least 60 staff members who worked in diversity, equity and inclusion-related positions.
- "This is just showing that (the) institution is not a safe place for all and does not foster a sense of belonging... Truly a shame."
Friction point: Travis County Attorney Delia Garza said her office would review each case and determine whether charges are necessary.
- "The events today at UT-Austin and the overwhelming police response to what appears to have been a peaceful demonstration should be concerning to all who believe in our Constitution," she said in a statement.
What's next: A planned Thursday rally at UT protesting the diversity, equity and inclusion program cuts will likely focus on the arrests instead, a professor told the Statesman.