Police began dismantling a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the early hours of Friday morning.
Reports indicate that protestors are being detained, with video footage capturing officers navigating through the encampment. While organizers estimate that only around 10 people were present inside the camp, a larger crowd outside has begun to gather, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.
This action follows escalating tensions at campuses across the United States and Europe, where standoffs between protesters and authorities have been occurring. Responses to these protests have varied, with some colleges immediately cracking down, while others have tolerated the demonstrations. Concerns over disruptions to campus life and safety have prompted some institutions to involve law enforcement.
The decision to dismantle the encampment at MIT comes after a previous attempt by police was met with resistance from protesters, who managed to reestablish the encampment shortly afterward. Situated in the heart of the Cambridge campus, the encampment consists of approximately a dozen tents. Prior to the removal, MIT had begun suspending numerous students involved in the encampment, preventing them from engaging in academic activities or participating in commencement ceremonies.
Protesters said that they remain steadfast in their demand for MIT to sever all ties with the IDF.
