Students Rally After Pro-Palestinian Encampment Removal and Arrests at Northern Arizona University

Students Rally After Pro-Palestinian Encampment Removal and Arrests at Northern Arizona University

Shortly after authorities forcibly removed a pro-Palestinian encampment at Northern Arizona University and arrested approximately two dozen individuals, a group of students reconvened on campus Wednesday evening to protest.

Over 100 students gathered outside the student union in a silent display of solidarity with the suspended Students for Justice in Palestine chapter.

Despite the suspension, the group plans to persist with their protests until their demands, which include disclosing the school’s lobbying activities, divesting from and severing all ties with Israel, and dismantling the on-campus police force, are met by the administration. Even if their on-campus protests are halted, the group believes their presence will still be impactful.


Following Tuesday night’s unrest, the university announced the club’s suspension for violating NAU policies, along with implementing a new 5 p.m. curfew for all expressive activities and banning temporary structures like tents and shade structures on campus. This curfew revision occurred just a day after the initial interim curfew of 10 p.m. for the group’s protest.

Despite the extended curfew, protesters remained undeterred and continued their demonstration without interference from law enforcement or campus authorities.

The university clarified that no tear gas, chemical irritants, or Tasers were used during Tuesday’s events, contrary to some reports from protesters present during the encampment’s clearing.