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Northwestern students hold Gaza ceasefire protest on campus, setting up tents on prominent lawn

Northwestern tent demonstration
As part of their ceasefire protest, students lined up and locked arms protecting their tent encampment on Northwestern's Deering Meadow.
Nancy Harty

EVANSTON (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Some students at Northwestern University are joining nationwide protests calling for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

Students were chanting "free Palestine" while linking arms in a line to prevent police from getting at a tent encampment on Deering Meadow, one of the larger green spaces on campus. It's similar to what's been done on other university campuses around the country.


The student government voted Wednesday night to support a resolution that demands the university end partnerships that they say legitimize genocide,  occupation and war in Gaza.

Eden, a graduate student, said they've been pushing for these demands for some time.

"This is not sort of a new demand," Eden said."

The protest started around 7 a.m. and at times has gotten heated with Northwestern University Police Department. Videos on social media showed some shoving between students and law enforcement.

Northwestern said in a statement that the tents violate university policies, and police and staff are working to get them removed. Students who refuse to remove their tents will be subject to arrest., the university said.

Here is Northwestern's full statement:

"Earlier this morning, community members attempted to set up a tent encampment on Deering Meadow on the University's Evanston campus, an act that is prohibited under University policies. University officials, including Northwestern Police and representatives from Student Affairs, are on site and have informed the group of the policies. They are working with the demonstrators to have the tents removed.

Students who refuse to remove their tents will be subject to arrest and their tents will be removed by the University. Community members who do not adhere to University policies will face discipline.

Northwestern is committed to the principles of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly – and to protecting the safety of all members of our community, as well as limiting disruptions to University operations."

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WBBM Newsradio for an update.

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