Pro-Palestine Rally at Brandeis Leads to 7 Arrests, Confirms School Authority – NBC10 Boston

Last Updated on November 11, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Seven Arrested During Palestinian Support Rally at Brandeis University

In a surprising turn of events, Brandeis University in Massachusetts witnessed seven arrests during a demonstration held in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The rally, organized by the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP), aimed to raise awareness regarding the ongoing conflict in the region.

The arrests occurred just days after Brandeis University announced its decision to sever ties with the NSJP campus chapter. The university cited the organization’s support for Hamas and its call for the elimination of Israel as the reasons behind this sudden disassociation.

According to a spokesperson from the university, the demonstration took an alarming turn when the crowd began chanting threats and using harassing language. These actions prompted the intervention of law enforcement officers, resulting in charges against the detained individuals. Allegations include assault and battery on a police officer, unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct, and trespassing.

The arrests have sent shockwaves through the campus community, with some students expressing fear of potential retribution for speaking out. Several declined to provide their names due to concerns about their safety.

The president of Brandeis’ chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine expressed surprise over the university’s decision, stating that the announcement had caught them off-guard. NSJP chapters aim to advocate for the rights and dignity of Palestinians, and the Brandeis chapter had been actively involved in organizing events and discussions on the topic.

Meanwhile, the names of those arrested have not been released, leaving the community anxious for further details. In addition, requests for comment made to the Waltham Police Department, the authority responsible for the arrests, have yet to be answered.

As this story unfolds, tensions continue to rise on Brandeis University’s campus. The administration is facing criticism from those who support freedom of speech and expression, as well as from individuals who condemn the actions of the NSJP.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and its ability to stir emotions and ignite debates even within academic institutions. The repercussions of Brandeis University’s decision and the subsequent arrests are likely to be widely discussed in the coming days. My MBA Career will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they emerge.