San Francisco, June 6: Thirteen pro-Palestinian protesters at Stanford University were arrested after they briefly took over the varsity president's office, authorities said. In the latest campus action calling for divestment from Israel, students and alumni entered President Richard Saller's office on early Wednesday morning, according to the pro-Palestinian group's spokesperson. Columbia University Protest: 'Both Free Speech and Rule of Law Must Be Upheld', Says US President Joe Biden on Pro-Palestine Protests on Campuses
They vowed to "remain inside the building and are refusing to leave until their demands are met", the spokesperson said in a statement. After several hours, the building was back in university control after campus police and Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies took action, officials were quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. Police Quickly Clear Pro-Palestinian Encampment Set Up Outside Los Angeles City Hall
"We are appalled and deeply saddened by the actions that occurred on our campus earlier today," according to a joint statement from the university president and Jenny Martinez, Stanford provost. A campus police officer was injured during the clashes, the Stanford administrators said. Those who are students "will be immediately suspended" and seniors "will not be allowed to graduate," they added. Wednesday was the last day of classes for the spring term. The Stanford Commencement Weekend is set for June 13 to 16.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2024 08:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).