Northwestern police cite four people involved in pro-Palestinian encampment, officials say

Northwestern University has charged four people involved in the school’s pro-Palestinian encampment protest with misdemeanors more than two months after the protest ended.

Northwestern was one of the first Chicago-area schools to see groups of students, faculty and activists camped on the lawn in protest of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, part of a wave of student action that swept U.S. campuses over April and May. The university negotiated with protesters to end the demonstration after five days.

University spokesperson Jon Yates said Northwestern police issued Class A misdemeanor citations for allegedly obstructing a police officer during the protests. The university’s student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern, was the first to report the charges.

“While the university permits peaceful demonstrations, it does not permit activity that disrupts university operations, violates the law, or includes the intimidation or harassment of members of the community,” Yates said in an email.

Yates declined to specify how the people cited were affiliated with the university, citing a policy of not discussing individual cases.

Those convicted of a class A misdemeanor may have to pay a fine of up to $2,500 and can face up to a year in jail under Illinois law.

Originally Published: July 17, 2024 at 8:23 p.m.