Harvard latest school to see pro-Palestinian encampments

Harvard University is the latest U.S. college to have pro-Palestinian encampments go up on its grounds following multiple other institutions that have seen students arrested this week over demonstrations protesting Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

On Wednesday, protesters at Harvard began putting up tents after The Harvard Crimson reported the university shut down access to the yard for anyone not affiliated with the school.  

“Structures, including tents and tables, are not permitted in the Yard without prior permission. Blocking pedestrian pathways or access to building entrances is prohibited,” according to a sign the school put on the entrance to the yard. “Students violating these policies are subject to disciplinary action.” 

“Free, free Palestine” and other chants could be heard from the demonstrators while they set up the encampment.  

The Hill has reached out to Harvard for comment.  

Columbia, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University have all had pro-Palestinian encampments at their schools for the past several days.  

Princeton University students are also looking at their own encampment, releasing documents saying they don’t believe the school would suspend them.  

Columbia has made classes hybrid due to the unrest and safety issues on campus. The school extended negotiations with students in an effort to have the encampment torn down without police intervention.  

The protests have been condemned as antisemitic by lawmakers from both parties, with some also issuing calls for the resignation of university leaders such as Columbia President Minouche Shafik.  

Former Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned in January amid accusations of plagiarism and controversy over her handling of antisemitism on campus.