Kiddies protesting the latest thing have gotten out of control on at least a few college campuses. We haven’t seen anything like that here, of which I’m aware, but yesterday, May Day, that glorious Communist Holiday, “protesters” gathered to avoid classes in support of Gaza and Palestine. Some went to jail.
It looks very much like His Excellency sent the stormtroopers (the protest was advertised on social media), but here’s the thing. The trigger for police ‘involvement’ does not appear to have been the protesting. It was because they tried to set up “occupy” like encampments.
UNH
UNH Police Chief Paul Dean estimated 10-20 protesters were arrested after a rally led to demonstrators attempting to set up an encampment at the state’s flagship university, drawing local and New Hampshire State Police. Some demonstrators shouted at police, calling them “cowards” and chanting “free Palestine.”The scene mirrored demonstrations on campuses across the United States in solidarity with Palestinians in the wake of Israel’s military response to a deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.
One of our readers sent a video of some of the action.
The peaceful event lasted until around 6:30 p.m. Then, Dean said, protesters rushed in to form an encampment and attempted to barricade their tents. Arrested protesters were taken to the Strafford County jail in Dover, according to Dean, who said he was not immediately aware of any injuries Wednesday night.
“When they went to set up the tents, it was clear to me that the majority of people were not affiliated with the university,” Dean said.
Arresting out-of-staters (unless they come here to vote) is the New Hampshire way.
Dartmouth
It’s the same story, just north a few hours.
The Dartmouth encampment Wednesday evening followed a planned “Labor for Liberation Celebration” earlier in the day, coordinated by a mix of campus and community activists to highlight what they called “the interconnected liberation struggles of Palestinians and workers around the world, Including those right here at Dartmouth and in the Upper Valley.” Shortly after that event wrapped up, a group of protesters started setting up tents on the main college lawn, in the center of Hanover. Some gave speeches, waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Divest Not Arrest.” A group of students also encircled the encampment, mirroring a move seen on other campuses meant to make it more difficult for police to reach the protesters in tents inside.
Ahead of Wednesday’s demonstration, Dartmouth officials warned that student protesters could face sanctions or arrest. In a message sent to the campus community Wednesday afternoon, Provost David F. Kotz said school policies “specifically prohibit the use of tents and encampments on the Green and other areas of campus.”
The ACLU had to issue a statement.
“Use of police force against protestors should never be a first resort,” the organization said. “Freedom of speech and the right to demonstrate are foundational principles of democracy and core constitutional rights. We urge university and government leaders to create environments that safeguard constitutionally protected speech.”
I agree, except that pending details to the contrary, the “individuals” were protected and not arrested during their protest. The police presence would have, I presume, prevented any violent interference with any polite gathering of like-minded persons. What they were removed for was setting up tents. If that turns out not to be the case, than we’re with you. I’d also like to know what promoted State Police to make themselves available (other than His Excellencies say so). Is there a prevailing opinion about the May Day Organizers and their intentions? They appear peaceful but Marxist movements don’t stay that way for long.
One of the sponsors is the Democratic Socialists of America, and another (don’t drink anything while you read this) is the Student Worker’s Collective at Dartmouth -at an Ivy League school.
Come out to the Dartmouth green @ 5PM this May Day (May 1st) to support and learn about the interconnected liberation struggles of Palestinians and workers around the world, Including those right here at Dartmouth and in the Upper Valley. None of us are free until all of us are free!!
But they never operate peacefully in power, so I find this statement amusing. Are the organizers liars (also required for Marxist movements), or are they ignorant like most of the college kids their activities tend to attract?
