Hanover, New Hampshire – Ninety individuals found themselves in police custody following a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Dartmouth College. The arrests, which included students, faculty, and individuals unaffiliated with the college, sparked controversy and criticism towards both law enforcement and school administrators.
Dartmouth College President Sian Leah Beilock expressed her disappointment with the escalating tensions on campus, citing more than 15 peaceful protests throughout the year. Despite advocating for freedom of expression, Beilock emphasized the importance of adhering to school policies to maintain a safe and conducive academic environment.
Faculty members, such as professor Jeff Sharlet, voiced their outrage at the use of force by police and school officials during the protest. The incident, which resulted in arrests and charges of criminal trespass, has led to discussions among faculty members regarding the school’s handling of the situation.
Among those detained was junior Dylan Griffith, who was documenting the events and inadvertently became part of the story when an altercation involving a professor led to his arrest. The incident raised concerns about the use of excessive force and the limitations of peaceful protests on campus.
One of the focal points of the demonstration was a call for Dartmouth to divest from companies associated with Israel. However, Beilock clarified that the school’s Board of Trustees has a structured process for considering such actions and that protests alone will not sway their decisions.
As the legal proceedings unfold for those arrested, the incident at Dartmouth College serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding freedom of expression, academic policies, and the need for open dialogue on contentious issues. The aftermath of the protest highlights the challenges of balancing passionate beliefs with maintaining a respectful and inclusive campus community.