South Bend, IN – Clashes at Indiana universities led to the arrest of over 30 individuals this week, as pro-Palestinian protests escalated. At the University of Notre Dame, campus police dismantled tents illegally erected by demonstrators in the South Quad on Thursday. Protesters, advocating for the university to divest from Israel, were removed for violating campus policies.
Similarly, at Indiana University Bloomington, a significant confrontation occurred when Indiana State Police arrested 33 protesters who refused to comply with university rules against setting up tents and tables at Dunn Meadow. Officers in riot gear were deployed to manage the crowd, which was chanting slogans and refusing to disband.
Both Notre Dame and IU officials have emphasized their support for free speech but stated that all protests must adhere to established campus guidelines to prevent disruptions to university operations. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions on campuses regarding global political issues and the enforcement of institutional policies.