On Monday, December 11, the group Students for Justice in Palestine held an unauthorized event at Wilson Commons on the University’s River Campus. Students were advised multiple times, including as recently as this morning, about the University policies and possible consequences around unauthorized gatherings.
After discussions with student life leaders and Department of Public Safety officers, participants were asked to disperse or face disciplinary actions, of which they were aware. Following multiple verbal warnings, those who did not disperse were subject to:
- being referred to the Office of the Dean of Students and the student conduct process
- facing possible consequences up to probation, suspension, or expulsion
During the course of the event, a University student struck a DPS officer on the side of the head and was arrested and charges are pending.
The Rochester Police Department was called in to assist with the situation as it escalated and moved from Wilson Commons to the DPS headquarters building. All activity concluded at around 2pm as participants left the scene. The events are still under investigation by University officials.
More information on the University’s policies and guidelines for demonstrations and peaceful protests is available online.