As of Tuesday, May 7, the University of Chicago administration authorized the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) and other security services to take down the pro-Palestine encampment on the Main Quad. Video footage from both encampment members and other University affiliates have confirmed the removal, which occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m.
As of 6:30 a.m., helicopters can still be heard overhead in proximity to the Quad.
This comes a little less than one week after an email sent by UChicago President Paul Alivisatos announced that “the encampment cannot continue.” Yesterday, a group of students under the group, “Reclaim Our Quad,” filed a change.org petition calling for the removal of the encampment. That petition has almost 2,500 signatures as of early Tuesday morning.
Signees of the petition have included a coalition of students, faculty members, parents, and other affiliates.
Video footage also captures UCPD calling for campers to disperse under the threat of criminal trespassing. Police also blocked bystander access to the Quad. The crowd on South Ellis Avenue can be seen chanting expletives at the police.
The encampment itself follows a nationwide trend of pro-Palestine protestors, some not affiliated with the universities and others allegedly “professional agitators,” occupying campus spaces that are usually “open-to-public” with respect to university communities. UChicago’s own encampment was “a violation of University policy” and would “result in disciplinary action,” said Dean of Students of the University Michele Rasmussen in an April 29 announcement.
It is yet to be determined whether the encampment demonstrators will face disciplinary consequences or criminal charges.
Updated as of ~7 A.M. CT