Penn students placed on leave as Gov. Shapiro urges disbanding of pro-Palestinian encampment

Last Updated on May 10, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Gov. Josh Shapiro Calls on University of Pennsylvania to Disband Pro-Palestinian Encampment Amid Safety Concerns

In a recent development, Gov. Josh Shapiro has urged the University of Pennsylvania to take action by disbanding a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus due to increasing lawlessness and safety concerns. Despite the request, Penn has not yet responded to the call for dismantling the encampment.

Interim Penn president J. Larry Jameson has also reiterated the need for the encampment to be taken down. This comes after city leaders had previously supported a peaceful resolution to the issue that has now escalated.

To address the situation, six students have been placed on mandatory leaves of absence for their involvement in the encampment, facing disciplinary actions for violating the university’s Guidelines on Open Expression. Additionally, Penn has announced changes to its commencement ceremony amid the ongoing protests.

The encampment’s demands include divestment from entities profiting from the conflict in Gaza. Negotiations with Penn leadership have reached a standstill, with no clear path to resolution. As a result, Penn has requested support from the Philadelphia Police Department to disband the encampment.

Jewish students have reported incidents of harassment surrounding the encampment, prompting the Herber D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies to call for the encampment’s disbandment to restore order on campus. A petition calling for FBI and CIA investigations into the encampment has garnered over 1,500 signatures.

University officials and students alike have expressed concerns about the safety and order of the campus amidst the ongoing encampment situation. With tensions escalating, it remains to be seen how Penn will address the situation and ensure the well-being of its campus community.