The University of Texas at Dallas is also in the midst of a controversy that challenges universities across the country due to the Israel-Hamas war. Despite these challenges, UT Dallas steadfastly protects the rights to free speech and freedom of assembly. However, while we value these rights, they are not without limitations on college campuses.
There have been about 10 conflict-related protests at the University of Texas at Dallas since late fall, all of which were public. Although perceived by some in our community to be loud and hostile, this protest complied with Texas' recently expanded free speech laws and was It did not interfere with operations.
Until the past two weeks, students have respected the policies we have established for gathering on campus. Similarly, we have supported their right to express their deeply held beliefs.
In the early morning hours of May 1, a small group of protesters set up a barricaded encampment in the middle of campus. This is a violation of university regulations and was done without prior notice or approval. In addition to tents, the barricades also included wooden pallets, tires, and other obstacles that impeded movement across major walkways on campus. It was a carefully planned and deliberately provocative operation, with food and water delivered throughout the day, encouraging organizers to stay on site for days or weeks rather than hours. It soon became clear what we were planning.
Starting around 6 a.m. that morning, university leaders requested that the encampment be moved or cleared. At 3 p.m., university officials issued a formal written notice stating that the encampment was in violation of university regulations and must be removed immediately. Many took this opportunity to leave the camp, but some chose to remain.
After it became clear that those who remained refused to comply, university police began working with other law enforcement agencies to clear the barricaded area. Twenty-one people were arrested for trespassing, nine of whom are not currently affiliated with UTD.
It is important to note that no protesters were arrested. In fact, the hundreds of people outside the encampment, who probably left seconds before law enforcement arrived, protested violently and continued to protest into the evening. None of these protesters were arrested. Another protest was held on May 3, in compliance with state law and university regulations, but no arrests were made.
I understand and admire the impulse of our students and communities to respond to humanitarian crises around the world. After all, the whole world is a place for graduates.
Unfortunately, the May 1 encampment was different from all the protests that preceded and followed it, making the university's response urgent. Encampments like these, established under cover of night in the heart of our campus, disrupt the daily operations of faculty, staff, and students, and violate the First Amendment and our speech and assembly policies. Not protected.
The right to freedom of expression and the safety of our communities was protected on May 1st. As previously mentioned, the protests following the camp's removal continued into the evening at other locations on campus without any disturbances or incidents.
I remain true to the premise that no matter where one stands on a particular issue, the University of Texas at Dallas remains a community that embraces different points of view while maintaining a safe environment for them. It is working.
Richard C. Benson is president of the University of Texas at Dallas.
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