AMHERST, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — About 130 people have been arrested on the campus of UMass-Amherst at a pro-Palestinian encampment. The protestors had voluntarily dismantled the encampment last week, but once again called for the university to divest from entities tied to the war in Gaza.
University officials had tried to resolve the conflict on campus, but when that failed, police came in and arrested many of the protestors. That action got the attention of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which said that having heavily-armed police at a student rally created a very dangerous environment.
Here is the ACLU statement:
“While other campuses across the country have engaged demonstrators in productive dialogue, we are highly concerned that University of Massachusetts Amherst leaders chose to invite armed police into a campus protest environment. Reports that police may have attempted to shield their activity from press and legal observers raise additional concerns about press freedom and transparency, which are essential to accountability.
Last night in Amherst, and events on campuses across the country, make clear: When universities choose to involve police in nonviolent demonstrations, it escalates tensions and creates unacceptable safety risks for all students, faculty, and community members. Campus administrators have an obligation to protect students’ safety on campus; at the same time, they must take all necessary measures to protect students’ right to protest. Calling heavily armed police on student political expression is an inherently dangerous choice.
With protests ongoing, including at Harvard and MIT, the ACLU continues to urge campus officials and police to show restraint and engage in dialogue and other nonviolent approaches – not force.”