Students chain themselves to PSU admin building in protest for a Free Palestine

Aimee Plante
·1 min read
17

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Less than a month after a student-led protest at Portland State University led to a multi-day occupation of the campus library, a group of students has chained themselves to the front of the campus admin building.

The university confirmed that a group of students have chained themselves to the front of the Richard and Maurine Neuberger Center in a protest calling for a free Palestine Wednesday morning.

PSU shared an update with KOIN 6 News Wednesday afternoon that Campus Public Safety officers arrested two PSU students at the admin building for disorderly conduct. In addition, campus police arrested a third person from out of state for allegedly trespassing the Millar Library, the site of a multi-day student occupation that happened earlier this month.

According to KOIN 6 News reporters at the scene, at least 12-15 masked people with signs that read “Students for Palestine” were seen at the RMNC building Wednesday morning.

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On the evening of April 29, a mix of students and non-students took over PSU’s Millar Library in a protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The occupation lasted until May 2 when police moved in and cleared the library.

The university has since estimated the cost of restoration will be roughly $750,000, give or take $125,000.

PSU released the following statement to the campus community on Wednesday:

This morning campus police were called to the Richard and Maurine Neuberger Center (RMNC) on Southwest Fourth Avenue where a small group of protesters had blocked the main entrance. Two protestors had chained themselves to the front doors. The individuals were asked to leave and resume their protest elsewhere and they declined.

Campus Public Safety officers arrested two PSU students for disorderly conduct. Portland Police were also present and monitored the event.

Also this morning, campus police arrested a person for illegally entering the Millar Library who was charged with criminal trespass in the second degree. The person was from out of state and not affiliated with PSU.

Portland State values and upholds the right to free speech and peaceful dissent while enforcing campus policies about hate, trespassing and property damage. Please view event rules and conduct policies for students, faculty and all university employees.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

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