Last updated on May 21, 9:30 a.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Drexel University started phasing in a return to normal operations on Tuesday as the pro-Palestinian encampment on campus enters its fourth day. The university was put on lockdown after the encampment was set up Saturday night, and students had virtual classes Monday.
The university said it is returning to in-person labs, studios and simulation courses on Tuesday, while lectures and non-essential workers will remain virtual.
About 40 to 60 demonstrators were still camped out at the Korman Quad as of early Monday morning. Among their list of demands were divestment from Israel, amnesty for protesters, the replacement of Jewish organizations at the school with unspecified others, and the abolishment of school police.
Drexel President John Fry hoped the protesters would remain peaceful, but he said that hasn’t been the case. He said they have made antisemitic chants toward students passing by. Many protesters aren’t even Drexel students or affiliated with the school.
In a notice published online, Fry said the encampment was created “without the university’s permission or authorization.” To “minimize the possibility of further disruptions, including attempts by protesters to occupy our learning and working spaces, we have placed our buildings and facilities on lockdown, with access provided only to those with clearance from Drexel Public Safety. So far, non-Drexel affiliates attempting to enter our buildings have been turned away without incident.”
Fry said the encampment must end, and any Drexel students participating in it could face disciplinary action for violating the student code of conduct.
“Drexel will not allow anyone or any activity to sabotage our teaching and research activities or contribute to a hostile environment that leaves any member of our community feeling threatened, harassed, or intimidated,” he continued.
The university has made an effective security plan, Fry added, as the protesters continue to ignore calls to disband. He has authorized the steps necessary to remove the encampment, but it’s unclear when that would happen.
Drexel alum Jake Fischer visited the encampment on Sunday and said it was disappointing to see.
“Everyone has a right to protest and everyone has a right to say what they want, but you can’t make other people feel unsafe,” he said. He went to the encampment to “be there for any other Jewish or Israel-supporting people who wanted to be here and show support. And also have a conversation with any of the Palestine protesters if they would like to, but I don’t think they want to engage in any conversation.”
Meanwhile, the University of Pennsylvania held its commencement ceremony without any major issues. Penn said it increased security and added clearance screenings.
Police dismantled the encampment at Penn’s College Green on May 10. It had been in effect for two weeks.