Stanford students arrested in pro-Palestinian protest that took over president's office

By REUTERS

Published: JUNE 5, 2024 22:10

Students are seen at a protest encampment in support of Palestinians at Stanford University during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Stanford, California U.S., April 26, 2024. (photo credit: CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS) — Students are seen at a protest encampment in support of Palestinians at Stanford University during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Stanford, California U.S., April 26, 2024.

(photo credit: CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS)

Approximately 10 students entered the building around 5:30 a.m. on the last day of classes for the spring quarter, while about 50 students linked arms and surrounded the building.

More than a dozen people were arrested at Stanford University in California on Wednesday after pro-Palestinian student protesters barricaded themselves inside the building that houses the school president's office, in the latest clash between US students and authorities over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Approximately 10 students entered the building around 5:30 a.m. on the last day of classes for the spring quarter, according to the student newspaper The Stanford Daily, while about 50 students linked arms and surrounded the building, chanting, "Palestine will be free."

In a post on Instagram, the group Liberate Stanford said an "autonomous group of students" had occupied the office of university President Richard Saller. The students have called on the school to divest from companies linked to Israel's war in Gaza, among other demands.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Dr. Adnan’s Office (@liberatestanford)

Police used a crowbar to enter the building about two hours after the demonstration began, according to the Stanford Daily.

Confirmation of arrests

In a statement, the school said 13 individuals who unlawfully entered the building had been arrested.

Students listen to a speech at a protest encampment in support of Palestinians at Stanford University during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Stanford, California U.S., April 26, 2024. (credit: CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS)

"There has been extensive damage to the interior and exterior of the building, and there will be no entry to the building for the rest of the day," the university said.

The arrested students included a reporter for the Stanford Daily, the newspaper said.