Arrests from campus demonstrations: What happens next?

Last Updated on May 6, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

College students protesting the war in Gaza faced arrests and criminal charges this week at universities across the U.S., sparking widespread controversy. In New York City, nearly 300 people were arrested at Columbia University and the City College of New York, while clashes at the University of Texas in Austin resulted in 79 arrests. Additionally, 14 protesters were arrested at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Despite the large number of arrests, charges at other universities have already been dropped due to lack of probable cause. Prosecutors are expected to face difficulties in gaining convictions in mass protest cases. Authorities in New York claimed that many protesters were “outside agitators” without any affiliation to the universities where they were arrested.

As the situation unfolds, charges against protesters have been reduced to misdemeanors ahead of arraignments. The Legal Aid Society criticized the NYPD for unlawfully detaining protesters and raised concerns about the tactics used to arrest them, such as the use of pepper spray and tactical gear.

Advocates for the protesters have called for a closer examination of the police response to the demonstrations, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of individuals to peacefully protest. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story on ‘My MBA Career.’