Northwestern Police Arrest Four Educators, Months after Pro-Palestinian Encampment
Lisa Kurian Philip | 18 July 2024 | Webz Chicago
Northwestern University Police arrested and charged four educators for allegedly obstructing law enforcement at the Palestinian solidarity encampment on the Evanston campus in late April. The misdemeanor charges come months after the encampment was dismantled through an agreement between protesters and university leaders.
“It’s a pretty mind-blowing experience to have your employer send their own police after you to arrest you within your place of employment,” said Alithia Zamantakis, an assistant professor at Northwestern’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing — and one of the faculty members facing charges.
Court records show the educators were arrested earlier this month and released from custody on the same day of their arrests.
“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,” University spokesperson Jon Yates said in an email. Yates said the university would not discuss individual cases. The charges have been filed with the Cook County State’s Attorney. A representative from that office said they could not comment on pending litigation…