University of Pennsylvania officials have issued a statement calling for demonstrators to vacate an on-campus encampment due to what they described as 'blatant violations of University policies.' The statement, signed by Interim President J. Larry Jameson, Provost John L. Jackson, and Senior Executive Vice President Craig R. Carnaroli, emphasized the university's commitment to supporting peaceful protests while also ensuring the safety and security of the campus community.
The officials expressed concern over reported incidents of harassment, intimidation, and vandalism, including the defacement of a statue in front of College Hall with antisemitic graffiti, which they stated would be investigated as a hate crime. They highlighted that such actions violate both University policies and state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
