BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — At least 33 people were arrested during a Thursday rally at Indiana University’s Dunn Meadow in support of Palestine, law enforcement agencies tell News 8.
The people were arrested for having structures, including tents, at their protest. IU said this violated a university policy and directed News 8 to this link.
Under the drop-down menu for “Outdoor spaces,” it says all temporary structures including tents and signs must have prior approval.
That change was approved on April 24th, the day before the protest. The previous guidelines for protests at Dunn Meadow were in place since 1969.
The rule says, “The temporary or permanent installation of structures (including, but not limited to, signage, tents, etc.) at any time must be approved in advance, by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life in conjunction with University Events.”
Dunn Meadow is designated as a gathering spot for “expression on all subjects,” according to the outdated policy listed under the Office of the Provost.
This policy stated structures were allowed at Dunn Meadow to express views.
“Any sign, symbol or structure which is either (a)continually carried or (b) taken away from 11:00 P.M. until 6:00 A.M., may be used in the Assembly Ground, day or night, to express any point of view on any subject, with or without advance notice, within the limits of applicable laws or regulations.”
The protest started Thursday morning in Dunn Meadow, a park which happens to be across the street from Chabad House of Bloomington, a resource for Jewish people on the campus.
People at the house were playing loud music over multiple speakers that could be heard at the protest.
By 4 p.m. Thursday, 33 people were arrested by Indiana University Police Department and Indiana State Police over the use of the tents.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office processed the arrested individuals. Most were charged with criminal trespassing or resisting arrest; some were charged with both. At least one person was charged with a felony, battery of a police officer, according to the sheriff’s office.
IU police says in a news release that protestors were permitted to stay only if the tents and canopies came down. If they stayed up, the protesters were arrested.
Protesters say the goal is to draw attention to Palestine.
News 8 caught up with some protesters as they were released from jail. People who were released were given court dates.
Cameron Pierce, an IU senior, says the people who were arrested were not read their Miranda rights.
“We were taken from Dunn Meadow at around 4. We didn’t get to the county building until around 7, so there was a long period of time where we were essentially hostages in the indoor fieldhouse. We didn’t know what we were being charged for. We were hustling, told we were arrested. We weren’t being read our rights. This is a small price to pay for the solidarity of the Gaza’s people and the Palestinian people, who are suffering a lot more than I am.”
Mike Carter, another IU senior, said, “The goal is to free Palestine. That’s the main goal. That’s the goal I’m plugged into. I’m not even fully educated on the topic. It’s just pretty obvious which side is the right side to be on.”
A small group of counterprotesters held Israeli flags. They mostly stayed uphill of protest in support of Palestine.
Asher Weisberg, an IU freshman, was one of the counterprotesters. She said, “I saw what was happening, and my whole community came out just to be together and to show our support for our community and to show love. I think it shows just the ignorance of other people, and they’re doing a Seder right now, and I’m not really sure what they’re saying, but there’s a lot of ignorance.”
An IU spokesperson issued a statement that said, “To ensure the safety and security of the IU community and to avoid disruption of university operations, expressive activity must be conducted in accordance with university free speech and events policies.”
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Statements
“Bloomington, Ind. – On April 25, 2024, at approximately 11 a.m., Indiana University Police in collaboration with the Indiana State Police began monitoring a gathering in Dunn Meadow. The individuals involved in the gathering set up structures (tents and canopies) after being advised that doing so violated university policy. University officials provided verbal and written expectations to the group regarding their actions numerous times throughout the morning and afternoon. The group was also told multiple times that if they removed their structures, they would be allowed to stay in Dunn Meadow. Following their refusal to comply with university policy, the group was advised to leave the area.
“At approximately 3:46 p.m., uniformed officers from Indiana University Police and Indiana State Police approached the group in Dunn Meadow and made a final request that they remove the structures. At approximately 3:57 p.m. individuals who refused to take down their tents and disperse were detained and removed.
“Thirty-three individuals were transported to the Monroe County Justice Center. IU police will continue to monitor ongoing activity in Dunn Meadow.”
Indiana University Police Department
“Indiana University Bloomington is a campus where we encourage and respect free speech and open dialogue. To ensure the safety and security of the IU community and to avoid disruption of university operations, expressive activity must be conducted in accordance with university free speech and events policies. This includes the enforcement of policies that require advanced approval for the installation of temporary structures.”
Indiana University
