Pro-Palestinian protest ends at the University of the South
SEWANEE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A college protest in Southeast Tennessee over the Israel-Hamas war reportedly came to an end Thursday night.
Six students were occupying the All Saints’ Chapel at the University of the South in Sewanee, demanding school officials disclose where their $400 million endowment goes, as well as cut ties with companies that manufacture weapons used against Palestinians.
Protesters told News 2 the occupation ended on Thursday, May 2 after university leaders agreed to a partial meeting of the students’ demands, along with full legal and disciplinary amnesty.
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No arrests or expulsions were reported among the protesters.
The University of the South released a statement to News 2, saying Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Pearigen had two discussions with the students gathered in front of All Saints’ Chapel:
At the first meeting, he read the University’s response to the protesters’ demands, as articulated by the group through their posters. This response represents the administration’s good faith commitment to address our students’ concerns. As such, he asked that students end the protest on the roof and in front of All Saints’ Chapel and refrain from disruption of University activities. The University respects the right of free expression and will permit students to relocate, if they wish, to ensure the safety of all involved.
He also made it clear that many of the actions taken constitute clear violations of the Student Code of Conduct, and students who remain in the area of All Saints’ Chapel, including on the roof and the patio, will face suspension or expulsion.
Later in the day he returned to All Saints’ Chapel to follow up on their earlier conversation and share a few additional thoughts. He urged students to dismantle their protest at All Saints’ Chapel and gave them time to comply.
Nearly 2,200 people have been arrested during college campus protests
No additional details have been released about the results of the protest at the University of the South.
Meanwhile, in Nashville, Vanderbilt University officials said they’re aware of a small number of tents on campus in protest, but added that students are following policy and have not been disruptive.
In Knoxville, however, nine protesters were arrested on the University of Tennessee campus Thursday night, with school officials telling News 2’s sister station, WATE, the protesters were in a crowd gathered on the law school lawn in violation of the university’s events policy — as well as trespassing — so the crowd was told to leave before 9 p.m. or be subject to suspension or arrest.
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