Princeton University Protests
The recent protests at Princeton University occurred following US President Joe Biden’s approval of a $16 billion military aid package for Israel. The demonstrations, primarily centered at New York’s Columbia University, also spread to other institutions like the University of Southern California, Emory University, and Brown University.
Arrest of Indian-origin Student
An Indian-origin student at Princeton University, Achinthya Sivalingan, along with another student, Hassan Sayed GS, were arrested and banned from the campus for participating in pro-Palestine protests. The protests demanded divestment from companies supporting Israel during its conflict in Gaza, leading to swift action by university authorities.
University Response
University spokesperson Jennifer Morrill confirmed the immediate barring of the two graduate students from campus pending a disciplinary process. The arrests were conducted without the use of force by Public Safety officers.
Eviction and Resolution
A first-year PhD student, Urvi, disclosed that the arrested students were evicted from their residences with minimal notice. Meanwhile, Columbia University’s faculty senate is scheduled to vote on a resolution rebuking the school’s president for authorizing the removal of the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” by the NYPD.
State Department Statement
State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel affirmed the Biden administration’s support for the right to engage in peaceful protests. Patel emphasized the importance of peaceful and nonviolent expression during a press briefing on Thursday.
