Live coverage of this topic has ended. To learn more, read our coverage of the agreement between the University and student protesters here.
On Wednesday, roughly 80 students set up an encampment on Brown University’s Main Green calling for divestment from companies affiliated with the Israeli government. The demonstrators also called on the University’s administration to drop criminal charges against 41 students who were arrested for trespassing during a December sit-in.
The encampment is being cleared by demonstrators following an agreement between University leaders and organizers this afternoon. The Corporation will vote on a divestment proposal this October, but the charges against the 41 students arrested in a Dec. 11 sit-in will not be dropped.
At its peak, the number of participants rose to over 100.
On Monday morning, Paxson agreed to let student demonstrators meet with a group of Corporation members to discuss a divestment proposal if the encampment is disbanded. That afternoon, six encampment organizers met with Vice President for Campus Life Eric Estes and Executive Vice President for Planning and Policy Russell Carey to negotiate the conditions of Paxson’s offer. Negotiations concluded Tuesday afternoon.
Student demonstrators received notice of pending cases of student conduct violations that are being reviewed by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. On Saturday, students received a letter stating that students affiliated with the encampment had until 5 p.m. Monday to respond to the internal review before a disciplinary review process began. That deadline was postponed for 24 hours to Tuesday.
Communications to the Brown community from University leaders — including from President Christina Paxson P’19 P’MD’20 — have stated that the encampment is a violation of University policy.
Paxson also said that the encampment is not an arrestable offense, but that law enforcement could be deployed if the encampment were to create “a violent, intimidating, hostile or otherwise unsafe environment.” No reports have arisen of these threats from the encampment.
Live updates:
April 30, 3:00 p.m.
Paxson sent a statement to the University community announcing the agreement and a “peaceful end to the unauthorized encampment.” The University posted the agreement online, including the names and signatures of signatories.
“I cannot condone the encampment, which was in violation of University policies. Also, I have been concerned about the escalation in inflammatory rhetoric that we have seen recently, and the increase in tensions at campuses across the country,” Paxson wrote.
“I appreciate the sincere efforts on the part of our students to take steps to prevent further escalation,” she added. “Universities were built to hold disagreement and grapple with competing views.”
“I cannot condone the encampment, which was in violation of University policies. Also, I have been concerned about the escalation in inflammatory rhetoric that we have seen recently, and the increase in tensions at campuses across the country,” Paxson wrote.
“I appreciate the sincere efforts on the part of our students to take steps to prevent further escalation,” she added. “Universities were built to hold disagreement and grapple with competing views.”
April 30, 2:44 p.m.
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About 150 students and community have gathered on the Main Green for a rally.
Demonstrators are clearing the encampment following an agreement between University leaders and organizers this afternoon. The Corporation will vote on a divestment proposal this October, but the University will not request that charges against the 41 students arrested in a Dec. 11 sit-in be dropped. Read the Herald’s full coverage of the historic agreement here.
Demonstrators are clearing the encampment following an agreement between University leaders and organizers this afternoon. The Corporation will vote on a divestment proposal this October, but the University will not request that charges against the 41 students arrested in a Dec. 11 sit-in be dropped. Read the Herald’s full coverage of the historic agreement here.
April 30, 1:16 p.m.
About 150 students and community have gathered on the Main Green for a rally.
Demonstrators are chanting, “free, free Palestine.”
Demonstrators are chanting, “free, free Palestine.”
April 30, 9:55 a.m.
The encampment representatives left University Hall at 9:55 a.m. They announced to the demonstrators on the Main Green that, while negotiations are underway, “so far, it’s looking quite good.”
April 30, 9:05 a.m.
Five encampment representatives entered University Hall at 9 a.m. to meet with administrators. The goal for attendees is a final agreement between University administrators and student demonstrators.
Approximately 150 students are gathered on the Main Green, outside the meeting.
Approximately 150 students are gathered on the Main Green, outside the meeting.
Photo by Dana Richie | The Herald
April 29, 5:46 p.m.
President Paxson sent an email to faculty members inviting them to a meeting tomorrow to discuss the University’s response to the encampment. Paxson wrote that “a number of faculty have raised concerns about the administration’s approach to the encampment.” She claimed that no faculty were under investigations “for policy violations stemming from their involvement with students in the encampment.”
Dean of the Faculty Leah Van Wey previously wrote to some faculty members who were identified as being at the encampment that if they continued to violate University policy she would “review the situation and consider imposing disciplinary action.”
“I acknowledge and apologize for the fact that notices were sent to a few faculty who were determined to have been at the encampment, which I understand has led some to question whether Brown is unfairly accusing faculty or engaging in surveillance,” Paxson wrote in her Monday email to faculty.
Dean of the Faculty Leah Van Wey previously wrote to some faculty members who were identified as being at the encampment that if they continued to violate University policy she would “review the situation and consider imposing disciplinary action.”
“I acknowledge and apologize for the fact that notices were sent to a few faculty who were determined to have been at the encampment, which I understand has led some to question whether Brown is unfairly accusing faculty or engaging in surveillance,” Paxson wrote in her Monday email to faculty.
April 29, 4:25 p.m.
Six student representatives left University Hall at 4:25 p.m.
They announced to demonstrators that they will draft a proposal outlining their conditions for the encampment to end. University administration will deliberate the proposal and meet again with organizers tomorrow morning to discuss a final agreement, organizers told attendees at the rally.
Additionally, encamping students are given an additional 24 hours before their conduct review processes begin. On Saturday, students received a letter stating that they had until 5 p.m. today before the disciplinary review process began.
Organizers added that they will continue encamping until a final agreement with the administration is reached.
They announced to demonstrators that they will draft a proposal outlining their conditions for the encampment to end. University administration will deliberate the proposal and meet again with organizers tomorrow morning to discuss a final agreement, organizers told attendees at the rally.
Additionally, encamping students are given an additional 24 hours before their conduct review processes begin. On Saturday, students received a letter stating that they had until 5 p.m. today before the disciplinary review process began.
Organizers added that they will continue encamping until a final agreement with the administration is reached.
April 29, 4:07 p.m.
The group of student representatives from the encampment remain inside University Hall. The negotiations now reach their second hour.
Demonstration organizers outside of the building have communicated that students affiliated with the encampment will vote on the terms in Paxson’s letter when representatives exit the building. The group of about 400 demonstrators continues to circle University Hall.
Demonstration organizers outside of the building have communicated that students affiliated with the encampment will vote on the terms in Paxson’s letter when representatives exit the building. The group of about 400 demonstrators continues to circle University Hall.
April 29, 3:05 p.m.
A group of student representatives from the encampment entered University Hall at 3 p.m. to meet with Vice President for Campus Life Eric Estes and Executive Vice President for Planning and Policy Russell Carey regarding Paxson’s letter and recent events.
About 400 demonstrators are rallying around University Hall.
About 400 demonstrators are rallying around University Hall.
April 29, 3:01 p.m.
Photo by Dana Richie | The Herald
The encampment participants are classifying Paxson’s letter as a “success” and a “major concession” in a statement to The Herald.
They also characterized Paxson’s previous refusal to bring the divestment proposal to the Corporation and recommendation that they submit a proposal via ACURM as a “delay tactic.”
No further information was provided as to whether the participants would accept the letter’s stipulations. “Encampment is actively in negotiations about how to move forward with President Paxson’s letter,” the statement reads.
April 29, 12:40 p.m.
Organizers have told rally attendees that they plan to ask for further concessions regarding divestment from the University. They have asked rally attendees to reconvene on the Main Green at 3 p.m.
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April 29, 12:10 p.m.
Photo by Dana Richie | The Herald
A crowd of around 300 students and community members has gathered on the Main Green for a rally hosted by encamping students.
Earlier this morning, Paxson agreed to let student demonstrators meet with a group of Corporation members to discuss a divestment proposal if the encampment is disbanded. The students have not yet accepted Paxson’s agreement.
Read more about Paxson’s letter here.
Earlier this morning, Paxson agreed to let student demonstrators meet with a group of Corporation members to discuss a divestment proposal if the encampment is disbanded. The students have not yet accepted Paxson’s agreement.
Read more about Paxson’s letter here.
April 27, 7:10 p.m.
Provost Francis Doyle sent an email to all faculty to clarify policies regarding participation in the encampment. In the email, Doyle asks faculty to not move classes to the Main Green, as “it creates a risk that these students could be mistakenly identified as participants in the unauthorized activity.”
“We have heard that some students have been made to feel very uncomfortable being asked to have class in or alongside the encampment,” the email reads.
The email states that stopping by “the encampment to talk with your students and/or check on their welfare” is not a policy violation. But, Doyle noted that faculty “involved in the unauthorized activity itself, such as working with the activity organizers and playing roles within the encampment” is in violation of policy.
“We have heard that some students have been made to feel very uncomfortable being asked to have class in or alongside the encampment,” the email reads.
The email states that stopping by “the encampment to talk with your students and/or check on their welfare” is not a policy violation. But, Doyle noted that faculty “involved in the unauthorized activity itself, such as working with the activity organizers and playing roles within the encampment” is in violation of policy.
April 27, 4:34 p.m.
Photo by Dana Richie | The Herald
In an interview with The Herald, the Palestinian law student approached by DPS identified herself as Farah Huneidi, a first-year student at Roger Williams University Law School.
Huneidi told The Herald that she has a Brown University Library Access Card. She was unaware of the encampment but saw Palestinian flags and decided to sit down on the Main Green in solidarity with the encamping students.
Huneidi was first approached by two unidentified individuals aiding DPS’s ID-scanning process and was asked to provide her Brown ID. The aids allowed her to stay on the Green when Huneidi answered that she did not have one.
A few minutes later, two DPS officers approached Huneidi and asked her to leave when Huneidi failed to provide a Brown ID card. The officers stated that they could not verify her library card’s validity and the encampment is restricted to Brown students, Huneidi told The Herald.
Huneidi was eventually allowed to remain at the encampment but was notified that she had to leave later in the evening. Huneidi is still on the Green at the time of the update’s publication.
Several students involved with the encampment surrounded Huneidi and the DPS officers to record their exchange. Huneidi highlighted the students’ support: “I feel like they have my back, and I don’t even know them.”
Huneidi claimed that students at Roger Williams have been less outspoken regarding the war between Israel and Hamas compared to Brown students. “It’s really hard,” she said. “I look forward to honestly staying here.”
Huneidi told The Herald that she has a Brown University Library Access Card. She was unaware of the encampment but saw Palestinian flags and decided to sit down on the Main Green in solidarity with the encamping students.
Huneidi was first approached by two unidentified individuals aiding DPS’s ID-scanning process and was asked to provide her Brown ID. The aids allowed her to stay on the Green when Huneidi answered that she did not have one.
A few minutes later, two DPS officers approached Huneidi and asked her to leave when Huneidi failed to provide a Brown ID card. The officers stated that they could not verify her library card’s validity and the encampment is restricted to Brown students, Huneidi told The Herald.
Huneidi was eventually allowed to remain at the encampment but was notified that she had to leave later in the evening. Huneidi is still on the Green at the time of the update’s publication.
Several students involved with the encampment surrounded Huneidi and the DPS officers to record their exchange. Huneidi highlighted the students’ support: “I feel like they have my back, and I don’t even know them.”
Huneidi claimed that students at Roger Williams have been less outspoken regarding the war between Israel and Hamas compared to Brown students. “It’s really hard,” she said. “I look forward to honestly staying here.”
April 27, 4:20 p.m.
Photo by Dana Richie | The Herald
DPS officers are scanning student ID cards, which they have done periodically since 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, when the encampment began. The amount of time spent at the encampment is considered in all disciplinary proceedings, according to University officials.
While scanning IDs, DPS approached a community member who identified herself as a Palestinian Rhode Island law student unaffiliated with the University. The community member refused to leave.
An unidentified individual came to counter-protest the encampment, shouting “long live Israel” and “there is no … genocide, there is a war on both Palestinians and Israelis.” She was escorted off the Main Green by DPS officers.
Some students in the encampment began chanting “divest now” as the individual was removed from the Main Green.
While scanning IDs, DPS approached a community member who identified herself as a Palestinian Rhode Island law student unaffiliated with the University. The community member refused to leave.
An unidentified individual came to counter-protest the encampment, shouting “long live Israel” and “there is no … genocide, there is a war on both Palestinians and Israelis.” She was escorted off the Main Green by DPS officers.
Some students in the encampment began chanting “divest now” as the individual was removed from the Main Green.
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April 27, 3:56 p.m.
The group of protestors affiliated with the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel left the intersection of Waterman and Brown Streets. No physical altercations occurred.
April 27, 3:45 p.m.
University Spokesperson Brian Clark confirmed in an email to The Herald that a “small number of faculty and staff have been identified during Brown ID checks” as participating in encampment activities.
“Faculty and staff who participate in an encampment that violates University policy are subject to relevant codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures,” Clark added.
“Participation in this unauthorized activity can take many forms, and each case will be assessed based on the circumstances,” he wrote. “Individuals contacted regarding possible policy violations will have the opportunity to discuss the circumstances related to their alleged participation.”
“Faculty and staff who participate in an encampment that violates University policy are subject to relevant codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures,” Clark added.
“Participation in this unauthorized activity can take many forms, and each case will be assessed based on the circumstances,” he wrote. “Individuals contacted regarding possible policy violations will have the opportunity to discuss the circumstances related to their alleged participation.”
April 27, 3:27 p.m.
Ken Schneider, a counter-protester affiliated with the Rhode Island Coalition with Israel, said in an interview with The Herald that “we just want to let the Jewish students who go to Brown know that there’s people in the community that are thinking about them.”
“We’re here to let people know that we stand with Israel, and we stand against” the encampment, Schneider said.
He condemned Brown’s response to the encampment and called on the University to enforce its policies more strictly. He visited the encampment on Wednesday but was asked to leave and given a trespass warning, Schneider told The Herald.
On April 26, the RICI posted on their Facebook page to condemn encampments across the country and express support for Israel. “Your actions do nothing but fuel more division, hatred and conflict on your campuses and in the Middle East,” the post reads.
“We’re here to let people know that we stand with Israel, and we stand against” the encampment, Schneider said.
He condemned Brown’s response to the encampment and called on the University to enforce its policies more strictly. He visited the encampment on Wednesday but was asked to leave and given a trespass warning, Schneider told The Herald.
On April 26, the RICI posted on their Facebook page to condemn encampments across the country and express support for Israel. “Your actions do nothing but fuel more division, hatred and conflict on your campuses and in the Middle East,” the post reads.
April 27, 3:01 p.m.
Photo by Dana Richie | The Herald
A small group of 10 community members affiliated with the Rhode Island Coalition for Israel gathered at the intersection of Brown and Waterman Streets, holding Israeli and American flags and a banner that read “Destroy Hamas—No Ceasefire.” Protestors called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and denounced students’ ongoing encampment. DPS and Providence Police officers were present at the scene.
April 27, 12:42 p.m.
Approximately 180 students have been contacted by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards about pending cases lodged against them, according to University Spokesperson Brian Clark.
This communication is distinct from letters received this morning by some participants that allege specific conduct violations. Clark did state that a vast majority of students have been contacted about these “next steps,” but does not include students who are concurrently facing additional disciplinary review from “related conduct code violations.”
He told The Herald that “presence at the unauthorized encampment is participation” and could result in disciplinary review.
This communication is distinct from letters received this morning by some participants that allege specific conduct violations. Clark did state that a vast majority of students have been contacted about these “next steps,” but does not include students who are concurrently facing additional disciplinary review from “related conduct code violations.”
He told The Herald that “presence at the unauthorized encampment is participation” and could result in disciplinary review.
April 27, 11:36 a.m.
BDC released their scheduled programming for the day via Instagram. Programming includes Tai Chi, two teach-ins, a ‘Map and Craft’ event, puppets, poetry, ‘Music and Dance’ and a screening.
April 27, 11:22 a.m.
Some students affiliated with the encampment have received a disciplinary email from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards alleging that the students have violated five specific statutes in the Student Code of Conduct, according to disciplinary emails shared with The Herald. The students face the possibility of probation and separation from the University.
Read more here.
Read more here.
April 26, 6:56 p.m.
About 60 students are gathered on the Main Green for a ‘Kabbalat Shabbat.’ According to a BDC Instagram story, the service is being led by Jews for Palestine.
April 26, 5:11 p.m.
University Spokesperson Brian Clark wrote in an email to The Herald that there have been multiple noise complaints from encampment activities. "Noise disruptions and complaints will be considered in the student conduct process and treated as escalating factors in potential disciplinary outcomes," he wrote.
He noted that with a reservation, amplified sound is permitted from noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays, but the encampment is in violation of University policy.
"Campus community members are encouraged to report noise complaints to Brown DPS, whose officers will respond, advise encampment participants of the complaints, instruct them to lower noise levels and file a report documenting the alleged violation for use in conduct proceedings," Clark added.
He noted that with a reservation, amplified sound is permitted from noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays, but the encampment is in violation of University policy.
"Campus community members are encouraged to report noise complaints to Brown DPS, whose officers will respond, advise encampment participants of the complaints, instruct them to lower noise levels and file a report documenting the alleged violation for use in conduct proceedings," Clark added.
April 26, 4:06 p.m.
Multiple students participating in encampment-related activities told The Herald that DPS has not asked students to present their IDs since about 8:30 a.m. this morning.
April 26, 1:06 p.m.
The crowd has grown to 200 people. They are chanting, “CPax, CPax, you can’t hide. You’re supporting genocide” as Paxson walks by the Main Green. At least two DPS officers are present. Paxson waved to the protestors.
April 26, 12:41 p.m.
Photo by Dana Richie | The Herald
Over 150 people gathered for an afternoon rally at the encampment. DPS informed speakers that they are not allowed to use a bullhorn they brought.
April 26, 12:26 p.m.
Multiple organizers of encampment-related activities have told The Herald that the noon community gathering will turn into a rally.
April 26, 11:30 a.m.
Brown Divest Coalition released their schedule for Friday via Instagram. Programming includes “Community Gathering” at noon in addition to Shabbat services, a camp talent show and “Justice Jeopardy.” At the noon gathering, students who are encamping, a student from BDC who was arrested during the Dec. 11 sit-in and Providence community members will speak, according to a BDC Instagram post.
April 26, 10:45 a.m.
The Executive Committee of Brown’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors has sent a letter to University administrators reaffirming their support of free speech and the right to protest.
The AAUP is a national organization that aims to support “academic freedom and shared governance,” according to its website. The Executive Committee of Brown’s chapter has 10 faculty members.
The committee’s members “wish to express our strong support of the Brown University community’s general right to protest and demonstrate free from intimidation, hostility, or the threat of disciplinary action,” the statement reads. “Most urgently, we prevail upon the Administration to refrain from calling law enforcement to campus so long as demonstrators exercising their free speech rights, or their academic freedom rights, pose no threat to the safety of others on campus.”
“As Brown faculty, we believe that Brown can and should be an exemplary institution in these troubled times and that it is capacious enough to accommodate a variety of political viewpoints and the lawful and peaceful expression thereof,” the statement reads.
The AAUP is a national organization that aims to support “academic freedom and shared governance,” according to its website. The Executive Committee of Brown’s chapter has 10 faculty members.
The committee’s members “wish to express our strong support of the Brown University community’s general right to protest and demonstrate free from intimidation, hostility, or the threat of disciplinary action,” the statement reads. “Most urgently, we prevail upon the Administration to refrain from calling law enforcement to campus so long as demonstrators exercising their free speech rights, or their academic freedom rights, pose no threat to the safety of others on campus.”
“As Brown faculty, we believe that Brown can and should be an exemplary institution in these troubled times and that it is capacious enough to accommodate a variety of political viewpoints and the lawful and peaceful expression thereof,” the statement reads.
April 26, 9:01 a.m.
The number of participants in the encampment has risen to 112 as of 10:38 p.m. last night, according to encampment spokespeople. On Wednesday, at the start of the encampment, approximately 80 students were participating. That number rose to 105 by the end of the first day.
April 26, 9:00 a.m.
Welcome to our live updates page. As the events continue to develop, reporters from The Herald will periodically post updates about the encampment and related coverage here.
Owen Dahlkamp
Owen Dahlkamp is a Section Editor overseeing coverage for University News and Science & Research. Hailing from San Diego, CA, he is concentrating in political science and cognitive neuroscience with an interest in data analytics. In his free time, you can find him making spreadsheets at Dave’s Coffee.
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