AUSTIN, Texas —
Pro-Palestinian protests on the University of Texas campus led to 57 arrests Wednesday, many of whom have already been released from Travis County Jail.
Many lawmakers and other state and local leaders have criticized how the university's decision to call for law enforcement to come to campus to disperse the protest.
Sharon Wood, UT Executive Vice President and Provost, sent a message to UT "Campus Community" on Thursday:
"Dear Campus Community,
In light of yesterday’s events and any planned future protests, I want to share the University’s related Institutional Rules, Operating Procedures, and laws so that we can ensure our freedom to speak while participating in demonstrations and peaceful protests.
Outlined below is the notice that will be posted and distributed on-site during today’s protest. Moreover, for all in our community, I encourage you to read and familiarize yourself with these rules. It is important that we all have a better shared understanding of free speech, the right to assembly and our institutional policies and rules that support our safety and continued operations.
The safety of our community continues to be of the highest importance. Thank you in advance for reviewing and adhering to our policies, procedures, and laws, and for continuing to respect and care for each other during these challenging times."
Wood also sent out this notice that was appended to the message:
"The freedom to speak and peacefully assemble is a cornerstone of the University’s identity as a world-class university. It's not just a privilege, but a responsibility we all share in fostering an environment where diverse ideas can thrive. Individuals on campus are free to:
Assemble peacefully to protest
Hand out flyers and brochures
Invite guest speakers to present in common outdoor areas
Engage with staff members if they need assistance or have questions
This freedom comes with the duty to respect our students’ right to learn and move freely and the University’s operational needs. All individuals on campus must follow the Institutional Rules, Operating Procedures, and laws. Individuals may not:
Disrupt the operations of the university, including but not limited to:
Making loud sounds that interfere with learning; teaching, or other official actions; blocking entrances, exits, and walkways; calls for immediate lawless behavior, and vandalism.
Camp or attempt to camp on university property (including bringing tents on campus and sleeping on university property, with or without a tent, later than 10:00 p.m.)
Refuse to identify themselves to university officials or law enforcement
Refuse to comply with directions given by university officials or law enforcement
Use amplified sound without prior approval
Wear masks or disguises
Coerce attention by following students walking away from the protest
Coming to campus without authorization including instances where a person is subject to a criminal trespass warning or arrested for criminal trespass. Returning to campus while under a criminal trespass warning will result in your arrest/re-arrest.
Those who violate these or any other rule, policy, or law are subject to immediate removal from campus, conduct charges, or arrest.
EVERYONE MUST LEAVE THE MAIN MALL OR OTHER UNIVERSITY PROPERTY NO LATER THAN 10:00 P.M."
KVUE will continue to follow the latest developments to this story.
