University of Utah ‘commends’ pro-Palestine protests for ‘peaceful nature’
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — On Tuesday, pro-Palestine demonstrations continued in Salt Lake, both at the University of Utah and at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail — but the response from the university was different on the second day of protests.
Protesters were not setting up tents on campus or indicating plans to stay overnight, and demonstrators spent less time on the university’s campus.
“The university commends the peaceful nature of the protests, which were expressed with dignity and conducted in a lawful manner,” the university said in a press release on Tuesday night.
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In Tuesday’s statement, the university again emphasized its support of free expression.
“Demonstrators are welcome to continue to express their views in a peaceful and legal manner,” the statement said. “If tents go up or unlawful occupancy or trespass occurs, the university will enforce the law.”
On Monday, the university released a statement, which said, in part, that protesters did not have the right to set up structures such as tents or camp on campus overnight. If people were camping on campus, the university said, “You are violating Utah state law and University of Utah free speech policy.”
Police responded to the April 29 demonstration, breaking down tents and arresting a total of 20 people on Monday and Tuesday for charges such as “disorderly conduct, trespassing higher education premises and failure to disperse,” according to university officials.
“I ask for the community’s patience as we manage a complex situation and balance free expression with lawful conduct,” University of Utah President Taylor Randall said in a statement. “We are investing time and resources now to support free speech and prevent further escalation.”
Protesting “Dos” and “Don’ts” per the U of U
The university said it passed out flyers ahead of Tuesday’s demonstration that detailed “lawful guidelines for protests.”
The “Dos” on the flyer included exercising the right to assemble peacefully, engaging in “thoughtful and constructive discourse” and respecting the rights of others when voicing an opinion.
Protesters were advised against being physically violent or threatening violence, obstructing operations or causing damage to property.
What counts as “unlawful protest”?
The university’s flyers also included examples of what counts as unlawful protest — with camping on U of U property being on the list.
Other forms of conduct that would be unlawful include intentionally blocking entrances/stairwells/corridors or using signs indoors.
“Violence or threats of violence against people or property” would also constitute an unlawful protest, according to the university’s flyer.
Furthermore, the use of “amplified sound or music” without the necessary permits would be unlawful, as well as any “noise disturbance” that would interfere with authorized activities. Entering private offices, rooms or meeting spaces would count as trespassing, the university said.
Additionally, being disruptive “immediately outside” of rooms being used for classes, studying or research would make the demonstration unlawful.
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