On Wednesday, a rowdy anti-Israel protest took place on UT Austin's campus, resulting in confrontations between students and law enforcement officers. Scenes from the protest showed Texas Department of Public Safety officers and Austin Police Department in riot gear making arrests. Some officers were seen monitoring the protests on horseback.
The protesters were heard chanting slogans like 'APD, KKK, IDF / they're all the same' and 'Pigs go home!' directed at the law enforcement officers present. Attempts by keffiyeh-wearing protesters to set up tents were quickly stopped by the police.
UT Austin responded to the disruptive protests by stating that it 'does not tolerate' such behavior. President Jay Hartzell later addressed the protest activity, acknowledging the challenges faced during the day. He emphasized the importance of upholding the university's rules while respecting the constitutional right to free speech.
Hartzell stated, 'Today, our University held firm, enforcing our rules while protecting the Constitutional right to free speech. Peaceful protests within our rules are acceptable. Breaking our rules and policies and disrupting others’ ability to learn are not allowed.'
