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A Pro-Palestinian protest at UT-Austin was quickly met by Texas state troopers today. The Palestinian Solidarity Committee of Austin organized the protest, directing students to walk out of class at 11:40 a.m. and occupy the lawn. A large group of activists gathered on campus and more than 20 arrests were made.
Governor Greg Abbott said, "these protesters belong in jail. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period."
Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.
Organizers were warned, in a letter from the school, to cancel the event because they would not allow this campus to be 'taken' as has been seen elsewhere.
The university wrote:
"The Palestine Solidarity Committee student organization’s event “Popular University for Gaza,” which is planned for tomorrow, has declared intent to violate our policies and rules, and disrupt our campus operations. Such disruptions are never allowed and are especially damaging while our students prepare for the end of the semester and final exams. For these reasons, this event may not proceed as planned.
Simply put the University of Texas at Austin will not allow this campus to be “taken” and protesters to derail our mission in ways that groups affiliated with your national organizations have accomplished elsewhere.
Please be advised that you are not permitted to hold your event on the University campus. Any attempt to do so will subject your organization and its attending members to discipline including suspension under the Institutional Rules. Individuals not affiliated with the University and attempting to attend this event will be directed to leave campus. Refusal to comply may result in arrest."