17 pro-Palestine protesters arrested after police clear encampment on Univ. of Utah campus

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the University of Utah in support of Palestine in what organizers said was an effort to push the university to divest of its ties to Israel.

Approximately two hours into the protest, Gov. Spencer Cox released a statement to protesters, warning them what is Constitutionally protected free speech - and what isn't.

"We hold dear our First Amendment rights to protest and peaceably assemble," according to his statement. "The First Amendment does not protect violence, threats to public safety, property damage, camping or disruptions to our learning institutions. We will protect protestors and arrest those who violate the law."

While no major violence was reported in Utah, police began enforcing the "camping" portion of Cox's statement following a message from the University of Utah.

The U's message, sent in several ways Monday night, including via loudspeaker to demonstrators, ordered the protesters to begin dispersing.

"Students, faculty, staff and community members, you have the right to express your viewpoint and we have heard you. You do not, however, have the right to set up structures or camp overnight. You are violating Utah state law and University of Utah free speech policy," the statement said.

The university cited the Utah Administrative Code and the University of Utah Speech Policy.

Those who set up tents at the gathering were instructed by the university officials to take the tents down immediately, and if they are not, law enforcement will remove them.

Consequences for students, faculty members and community members were outlined in the statement.

• "Students – University discipline ranging from probation to suspension, and criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges
• Faculty and staff – University discipline including up to termination, and criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges
• Community members – criminal trespass and disorderly conduct charges.

The protest started at 4 p.m. on Monday at President's Circle on the U.'s campus.

Organizers said they will end the rally when the university meets their demands by cutting off support of Israel.

Faculty members with the University of Utah joined the demonstrators, wearing their commencement regalia and holding signs that said "Hands off our students."

Officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department, Utah Highway Patrol and campus security watched the demonstration closely.

Around 10:45 p.m., police in riot gear began advancing on protesters slowly. They removed tents as they went.

Over the next hour, they continued to advance until many of the protesters were on the west end of President's Circle.

By 11:45 p.m., there appeared to be several dozen still in place on the campus lawn, refusing to leave.

Police made multiple arrests before the night was over.

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