Pro-Palestine protesters stage sit-in on UC Berkeley campus
BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON) — Tensions are running high on the campus of UC Berkeley where protesters calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza are occupying Sproul Plaza. Jewish students, meanwhile, say they have been dealing with increased antisemitism on campus.
The university is now hoping to make sure the school runs smoothly as the semester comes to an end.
In front of Sproul Hall Tuesday morning, protestors had set up dozens of tents along with banners and signs of support for the people of Gaza and Palestine. They are demanding that the school call for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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Over the past several months, protestors have caused numerous disruptions on campus. In March, the university had to evacuate attendees at an event organized by Jewish student groups when pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside.
In Sproul Plaza on Tuesday, some students walking to class expressed support for the protesters. This has created an environment on campus that is very uncomfortable.
Some Jewish students say that they have been harassed for months and feel that the university has let them down.
The university says that with just three weeks left in the school year, they want to protect the right to free speech but also make sure that the school runs smoothly and safely.
So far, it’s unclear how long these protestors plan to remain on here campus. The protestors are also demanding that university enact a financial boycott of Israel. The school said that’s not on the table.
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