Pro-Palestinian protestors gather, pray on Texas Tech campus

Gabriel Monte and Adam D. Young, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
·1 min read

About 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered on the Texas Tech campus Friday afternoon, joining protestors at college campuses around the country responding to continuing violence in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

A few dozen people, some holding signs, had gathered around Texas Tech's Administration Building early in the afternoon. The group grew to about 100 people and had moved by 4 p.m. to Texas Tech's Student Union Building, where many sat and prayed outside in what is often referred to as the "free speech zone," according to an Avalanche-Journal journalist at the scene.

Charges dropped against all 57 arrested in connection to UT-Austin pro-Palestinian protest

The protest came as thousands of others on campus participated in events and activities marking Texas Tech's annual Arbor Day celebration.

Around 3:15 p.m. Lubbock police officials told the Avalanche-Journal they are aware of the protests, however there have been no requests for assistance.

Texas Tech president addresses free speech, safety

Tech President Lawrence Schovanec released a memorandum to the campus community Thursday afternoon via email, addressing recent protests around the country - including at the University of Texas at Austin - and noting campus policies on expressive activities on campus. The full statement reads.

"With the increasing occurrence of protests on university campuses in Texas and across the country, I want to emphasize that at Texas Tech University, expressive activities must be conducted within the bounds of the law and our institutional policies, including our Freedom of Expression Policy.

Texas Tech recognizes the rights of individuals to engage in expressive activities that the First Amendment protects. However, we stand firm in our commitment to providing a safe environment for all students, faculty and staff.

We expect differences in viewpoints to be conveyed professionally and civilly, free of discriminatory harassment. We will not tolerate any activities that compromise the safety of our community members, violate the law or institutional policies, or materially and substantially disrupt the normal operations of the University."

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Pro-Palestinian protestors gather, pray on Texas Tech campus