Princeton University students’ pro-Palestine/anti-Israel encampment came to an end on May 15, less than three weeks after the students began a sit-in protest on April 25.
Cannon Green behind Nassau Hall, where the students held their sit-in for 17 of those days, is empty of lawn chairs, umbrellas, tables, signs and posters set up by the protesters.
The area is currently surrounded by orange metal fencing and signs announcing the area is closed in preparation for University events – the annual Reunions Weekend that brings back graduates, and graduation for the Princeton University Class of 2024.
The Princeton Gaza Solidarity Encampment had vowed not to leave until their demands were met or until they were forcibly removed, according to The Daily Princetonian.
The students’ demands, outlined on the first day of the sit-in, included Princeton University’s divestment from companies that profit from or engage in Israel’s ongoing military campaign, occupation and apartheid policies.
The students also demanded a ban on associating with Israeli academic institutions and businesses, and to cultivate relationships with Palestinian institutions instead.
“Our fight for divestment and Palestinian liberation continues undeterred,” according to a statement from the Princeton Gaza Solidarity Encampment announcing that its last day would be May 15.
“As our friends at Harvard put it, ‘The Liberation Zone is everywhere.’ Remember, Princeton, this is not one camp. This is a movement,” the Princeton Gaza Solidarity Encampment statement said.
The encampment was established as part of an international student intifada for Palestinian liberation, according to the statement. Similar sit-ins were held at colleges and universities nationwide.
The students initially set up the encampment at McCosh Courtyard, but moved to Cannon Green after they briefly took over Clio Hall on April 29. Clio Hall is the home of the Princeton University Graduate School.
Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber told the protesters May 13 to begin cleaning up the encampment on Cannon Green, but no deadline was set, according to The Daily Princetonian.
Students and administrators met May 14 and plans were made to clear out the space on Cannon Green. By midnight May 15, most of the banners, tarps and signs had been removed.
A total of 15 students were arrested over the nearly three-week period. Two students were arrested on the first day, within minutes of setting up tents in McCosh Courtyard in violation of Princeton University policy.
Also, 13 students were arrested and charged with trespassing April 29 after they took over Clio Hall. All of the students were barred from campus and were told they faced disciplinary issues.
Meanwhile, Princeton University officials said May 6 that the issue of divestment would be discussed by the Council of the Princeton University Committee.
According to The Daily Princetonian, The Council of the Princeton University Committee will not consider demands, such as the boycott of Israeli academic institutions, and legal and disciplinary amnesty for the 15 students who were arrested.