Buildings at Columbia, Cal Poly Humboldt and Pomona have also been taken over recently by anti-Israel activists
Pro-Palestinian Rhode Island School of Design students seized their administration building on Monday night and barricaded themselves in.
Campus leaders gave them a Tuesday morning deadline to disperse but the activists remain inside.
A video posted on X shows students shimmy food up with a rope ladder to feed the activist students, who demand the art school cut all financial ties with Israel and condemn the country publicly for alleged “genocide.” They’ve reportedly taken over the second story of the building, which houses the president’s office and other financial offices.
“A livestream by the organizers showed protesters gathered in a corridor on the second floor of the building, chanting ‘Free, free Palestine,’ as security guards inside a room appeared to prevent them from entering it. Videos showed other protesters gathered outside the building,” the New York Times reported.
“The developments escalated a protest that has been held outside the building, 20 Washington Place, since last Wednesday, and added to the short list of school buildings that have been occupied by activists protesting Israel’s war in Gaza.
“Last week, police officers ended occupations of buildings at Columbia University and Cal Poly Humboldt, clearing the buildings and arresting dozens of people.”
At Pomona College in early April, after anti-Israel protesters “stormed and then occupied the college president’s office,” 20 students were arrested by riot-gear-wearing police officers, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Happening now: Pro-Palestinian Rhode Island School of Design students have just seized their president's administration building and barricaded themselves in … pic.twitter.com/eFgWjmts7E
— The College Fix (@CollegeFix) May 6, 2024
The Brown Daily Herald student newspaper reported 24 students are involved in the occupation, led by RISD Students for Justice in Palestine. “Negotiations” between the students and administrators have reportedly stalled, the newspaper reported.
A “suspicious package” was also denoted near the building Tuesday, resonating with a large bang throughout the area, but a public radio reporter said it was a controlled demolition at the courthouse.
IMAGE: Instagram screenshot
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