Counterprotesters play Oct. 7 footage

Counterprotesters reassembled and are playing a video of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

The video started with an explanation of the history of Hamas, followed by footage of the attack. Most protesters have their backs turned to the screen.

About five minutes into the film, protesters started chanting “free Palestine” and “from Philly to Palestine, all our struggles entertwined.” The video footage stopped soon after the chanting started.

Quiet hours to start around midnight

An organizer announced that quiet hours will be starting close to midnight.

Counterprotesters disassemble

The group of counterprotesters disassembled without showing video footage of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. About eight counterprotesters remain in small groups near the camp.

The encampment is continuing chants of “free Palestine,” “from the river to the sea,” “let Gaza live,” and “not another nickle, not another dime.”

“Occupation happened 75 years ago, and today there’s a genocide we will stand up against,” an organizer said to the crowd. “It’s 11:30 at night and we are not ready to go to bed yet.”

Penn Arab Student Society issues statement on encampment

"In light of recent events, we wanted to touch base with our community members and emphasize our values as a student society.

We support non-violent student efforts that allow for expression of speech and advocate for those who are suffering in Gaza.

As members of a university community, we stand in solidarity with the many students/faculty/staff across campuses who are expressing their right of free speech. We deplore the use of violent actions against said students and will continue to advocate for the protection of student rights on college campuses.

There should be a further investigation of the unknown outside agitator who was behind the graffiti on the statue. Many protestors and by-standers were present and we implore the University to defer to the witnesses present during these violations. Again, we emphasize the safety and protection of students, faculty, and staff apart of Pro-Palestinian efforts. We are disappointed by the University’s brash allegations before a proper and fair investigation is conducted.

Within interactions between our community and the encampment, we have seen no intention of promoting or contributing in the harassment or hate against any student body on campus. Police have been actively surrounding the encampment, closely monitoring it to ensure the safety of everyone there. Hate speech does not have a place within these protests and does not reflect or serve the demands of the encampments peaceful actions. We encourage the University to understand the demands of the encampment as a call to action."

Muslim Students Association statement echoes Penn Arab Students Society on encampment

“Penn MSA echoes PASS’s statement and wants to emphasize our disapproval of the University’s brash allegations against the peaceful protestors without proper investigation, as the protestors do not tolerate any type of hate speech to any groups. We especially resent these unjust accusations when our community has notified administration of many hate crimes and intimidation tactics against students on Penn’s campus for the past 6 months, with little to no response.

Trucks were parked outside of our dorms, our homes on campus, calling Palestinian’s terrorists, and the University brushed off any responsibility by saying it was out of their hands. Students have been followed, kicked, and threatened.

The University has made no public response to these instances of Islamophobia, hate speech, and hate crimes. Peaceful protestors have been harassed by counter protestors, and even with this the University administration only met with the Jewish Student Advisory Group, with no contact to the Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian Student Advisory Group. This is a clear example of the unequal treatment our community has faced in the past months. The University must carefully consider its actions going forward and ensure they conform to the University’s principles of equality and fairness.”

Encampment protesters moves onto College Green grass

An encampment organizer asked all protesters to move onto the College Green grass, saying that “we don’t want any trouble tonight.” The protesters are continuing to chant “Free Palestine.”

The counterprotesters are playing Matisyahu’s song “One Day” and waving Israeli flags.

Counterprotesters arrive with projector, prepare to show Oct. 7 footage

Around 50 students have assembled on Locust Walk in front of the encampment, carrying Israeli flags.

As a small group sets up a projector in front of the Split Button, a confrontation occurred in front of the Ben Franklin statue between members of the different groups. The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke with Penn junior Joseph Hochberg, who was setting up the projector equipment. He confirmed that the students intended to screen about an hour of footage from Oct. 7, 2023, and had been delayed due to technical issues. He said that the students with him belonged to no specific organization, but were “mostly Jewish.”

Meanwhile, organizers from the encampment lead call and repeat chants with the crowd. Protesters are chanting “intifada” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as individuals arrive with large flags.

Police have set up metal barricades running the length of Locust Walk, separating the encampment from the counterprotesters with the projector.

Penn encampment responds to University email on disbandment

At 10 p.m., Penn Against the Occupation and the Freedom School for Palestine released a joint statement on Instagram on behalf of the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” in response to an email from Interim Penn President Larry Jameson calling on the encampment to disband.

The statement said that the encampment is within the group’s rights as “peaceful student and community protesters.” It also emphasized that the encampment did not receive official notice of legal or policy violations from the University, contrary to what Jameson stated in the email.

“We denounce Interim President Jameson’s mischaracterization of our peaceful community space with acts of violence and vandalism,” the statement read. “This is especially disheartening when we have faced so much aggression at the hands of ill-intended counter protesters ourselves.”

The statement noted that the email followed a “groundswell” of support for the encampment from the Philadelphia community. It concluded with an encouragement for Penn community members to “reject this attempt at fearmongering” and join the protesters on College Green.

No arrests to be made tonight, according to protest organizers

Organizers have announced that they were told by officials that no arrests will be made tonight.

The Daily Pennsylvanian could not confirm the exact correspondence. The announcement followed an email from Interim President Larry Jameson, which said that failure to disband the encampment would result in sanctions. The email cited “blatant violations of University policies” and “credible reports of harassing and intimidating conduct.”

After the email was sent, organizers made a speech in which they gauged protestors’ appetite for staying the night and emphasized the importance of collective action.

Penn warns protesters of legal, policy violations and calls on encampment to disband

Interim President Larry Jameson released a statement saying that the pro-Palestinian encampment on College Green constitutes “blatant violations of University policies.”

In the email to the Penn community, Jameson said that the University has been closely monitoring the protest over the past 24 hours. He wrote that the encampment violates Penn’s facilities policies and that there have been “credible reports of harassing and intimidating conduct.” Protesters have been notified of their violations and will face sanctions if they don’t disband immediately, according to the email.

Jameson listed several violations, including reported and documented “harassing and intimidating comments and actions by some of the protesters.” He wrote that this alleged harassment violates Penn’s open expression guidelines and state and federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

He pointed to vandalism of the statue in front of College Hall with “antisemitic graffiti” as an example, writing that it was “especially reprehensible” and will be investigated as a hate crime.

“All members of our community deserve to access our facilities without fear of harassment or being subjected to discriminatory comments or threats,” Jameson wrote.

He also acknowledged Penn’s academic mission guided by “fundamental commitments to upholding freedom of inquiry and open expression” in the email.

“As we have repeatedly emphasized, we will uphold free speech and the productive exchange of ideas, but we will not allow any actions that harass, threaten, or intimidate others,” Jameson wrote. “We have also said that the safety of our community is paramount, and we will live up to our commitment.”

Related:

• Penn calls on pro-Palestinian encampment to disband immediately, citing legal and policy violations

Chants pause for prayer, as Shabbat concludes

At 7:52 p.m., Muslim members of the encampment paused their chants to pray. This overlapped with a Shabbat that had started at 7 p.m. and ended around 8 p.m.

Protestors are now sitting, eating, and talking with one another as temperatures drop.

Chants continue in Arabic

The organizer taught the crowd a series of chants in Arabic, including one that called for “intifada revolution” as the “only one solution.” Another organizer went on to condemn a two-state solution by leading a chant of “we don’t want a two-state, we want 48.”

A third organizer taught the assembled group a chant in Spanish inspired by a Puerto Rican liberation movement.

Penn Hillel rabbi condemns encampment, Israel referendum in email obtained by DP

Penn Hillel Executive Director and Rabbi Gabe Greenberg addressed the heightened pro-Palestinian activism occurring on campus during Passover in an email to Penn Hillel family and friends Friday night.

Greenberg referenced a petition calling for Penn to divest from Israel, which the Nominations & Elections Committee has approved to proceed to a referendum with the student body. Greenberg said that Hillel has “urged” the University to reiterate its opposition to divestment.

“We have communicated to the NEC that the short voting window disadvantages the involvement of those Jewish students who do not use their phones or screens on Shabbat and Passover,” he wrote.

He added that Hillel is seeking signatures for a pro-Israel referendum “to ensure that there can be a more balanced discourse to this question.” The petition, which is circulated by the Penn Israel Public Affairs Committee, asks four questions related to whether Penn should adhere to the Department of Education and Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination regulations and continue investing in Israeli companies developing medical research and technology.

Greenberg also acknowledged the ongoing encampment established yesterday on College Green. He referenced incidents of spray-painting and said that there have been reports of Jewish students feeling “threatened and harassed” near the area of the demonstration.

The email condemned the referendum and protests, stating that they “demonize and de-legitimize Israel, normalize hateful rhetoric, and further divide the campus community.” Greenberg called for Penn to “move swiftly” to ensure student safety and security on campus.

Hillel will have additional security measures in place as students gather for a free Passover Shabbat dinner on Friday night, according to Greenberg. The email ended with a message of support for students graduating during a time of national unrest.

“We will never stop our proactive approach to cultivating the most robust and joyous Jewish life at Penn, including efforts to forge connections with other communities on campus, even when a crisis threatens to distract and derail,” Greenberg said.

Related:

• Penn admin. to meet with Jewish Student Advisory Group over response to pro-Palestinian encampment
• Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro calls on Penn to maintain student safety

Organizers lead protesters in series of anti-police chants

Organizers are leading protesters in a series of anti-police chants.

“If you’re gonna be pro-Palestinian, be anti-cop,” an organizer said.

Chants included “PPD, KKK, IOF, they’re all the same,” “oink oink, piggy piggy, we will make your lives shitty,” and “pigs in my hood ain’t no good,” with PPD referring to Philadelphia Police Department and IOF appearing to refer "Israeli Offensive Forces" — a term used instead of the IDF, the Israeli Defense Forces.

“If you’re pro-Palestinian and you fuck with the cops, I need you to rethink your life right now,” the organizer told the crowd.

The group also chanted “back up, back up, we want our freedom from these racist ass cops we don’t need them.”

“And feel free to replace ‘racist’ with 'Zionist' and ‘cops’ with ‘pigs,’” an organizer said before the group continued chanting.

Board of Trustees chair declines to comment on encampment

In response to a request for comment on Thursday, Board of Trustees Chair Ramanan Raghavendran pointed The Daily Pennsylvanian toward a University spokesperson’s statement on the encampment.

Raghavendran’s decline to provide a statement comes as one of the encampment’s demands remains that the University divest from its ties to Israel’s war in Gaza. The trustees have formal guidelines for consideration of any divestment of any assets from the University’s endowment or other holdings.

Related:

• Ramanan Raghavendran appointed chair of Penn Board of Trustees following Scott Bok resignation
• Penn's new Board of Trustees chair shares goals, vision for year ahead in DP Q&A

Chabad Rabbi tries to enter encampment, physically blocked by protestors

Chabad Rabbi Levi Haskelevich attempted to enter the encampment with students several times, and protesters physically blocked him in response. Two police officers stepped in and spoke to both Haskelevich and the protesters.

Haskelevich declined to comment and walked away from the encampment.

“We have a new brand of antisemites who are not letting a visibly Jewish man walk on his college campus,” a Jewish student accompanying Haskelevich told the DP. “It’s tragic what’s happened to a campus that used to be famous for its vibrant Jewish life.”

Encampment crowd gathers for “Defining Anti-Semitism” conversation with Israeli historians

Members of the encampment gathered to listen to a conversation between two Israeli historians — Omer Bartov, the Samuel Pisar Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University, and Raz Segal, associate professor of Holocaust and genocide studies and endowed professor in the study of modern genocide at Stockton University — on “Defining Antisemitism.”

The professors spoke on a range of topics surrounding the war in Gaza, including the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the importance of organizing and gaining and “changing” power. They then fielded a series of questions from the audience about their beliefs.The group disbanded for a break before Shabbat at 7 p.m.

Over 100 Penn students report harassment incidents from encampment

In less than an hour, a form distributed by the Jewish Student Advisory Group received harassment accounts related to the encampment from over 100 Penn students, a source familiar told The Daily Pennsylvanian.

The group released the survey earlier today in preparation for a meeting with Penn administrators. It was designed to "measure the impact of the hostility of the encampment on Jewish student life." The survey asked community members to report if they have experienced intimidation, faced threats, or had difficulties going to class or preparing for final exams since the start of the encampment.

“Essentially the continuation of the encampment depends on our ability to prove that it has or will create a hostile or intimidating environment on campus,” the message sent to the group read. “Please note that this is not a petition to end the encampment or arrest protesters, but a survey to measure the impact of the hostility of the encampment on Jewish student life.”

ADL Philadelphia regional director calls for Penn to 'take action' against antisemitism

Anti-Defamation League Philadelphia Regional Director Andrew Goretsky wrote in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian that he spoke with students from both Penn and Temple University today, and that the activities on Penn’s campus “are not peaceful protests,” citing accounts of antisemitism he has heard.

“These protests harass and intimidate students and interfere with the operations of the university — depriving students of their education,” Goretsky wrote. “The Universities must take action.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro calls on Penn to maintain student safety

Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, called on University leaders to maintain student safety in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian.

“The University of Pennsylvania declared in a public statement that student safety is their top priority and there will be consequences for words and actions that violate university policies, contribute to an intimidating or hostile environment on campus, or are not permitted by local, state, or federal law,” Bonder wrote. “University leaders must follow through on their word and live up to that standard.”

Bonder, on behalf of Shapiro, also emphasized the need to prevent antisemitism while allowing for free expression.

“Governor Shapiro has been clear that Pennsylvanians have a right to peacefully protest — so long as they are doing so within the law and in compliance with university policy,” he wrote. “The Governor has also made it clear that universities must keep their students safe and take a stand to combat hate and antisemitism.”

On Wednesday, Shapiro criticized universities nationwide for failing to adequately protect their students.

“What we’re seeing in some campuses across America, where universities can’t guarantee the safety and security of their students, it’s absolutely unacceptable,” he told Politico at the time, adding that it is “incumbent upon a local mayor or local governor or local town councilor, whoever is the local leadership there, to step in and enforce the law.”

In December 2023, the governor was influential in calling for former Penn President Liz Magill’s resignation.

Local politicians show solidarity with encampment

Pa. state Rep. Rick Krajewski — who represents Penn — spoke to the encampment at College Green during the afternoon program, emphasizing his support for the demonstration. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, whose district also includes Penn, sent a staffer to show her solidarity.

“It really warms my heart to see the depths of care that this community has been showing to communities across the globe,” the staff member said. “And the way that you care and stand up for Palestine makes me proud to be in the same lineage.”

Krajewski noted that Philadelphia At-Large City Council Members Nicolas O’Rourke and Kendra Brooks — while not present at the encampment — were there in solidarity with the protesters.

“They’re gonna say that you’re doing something too radical, you’re doing something fringe. But there are people who know that is not true, that this is actually about peace,” Krajewski said.

Former MOVE member speaks to protesters

Pam Africa, a former member of the MOVE movement, spoke to the encampment at around 4 p.m. on the importance of standing together while being threatened with violence.

“People, you are responsible for getting the truth out no matter how hard they come,” she said.

While Africa spoke, a Penn employee was still power-washing in the background.

Fred Hampton Jr. at encampment

Fred Hampton Jr. of the Black Panther Party Cubs spoke during the afternoon program at the encampment on College Green. He engaged in a “free them all” call and response chant with the audience, and spoke on themes of solidarity and justice.

Hampton spoke about the legacy of his father, Black Panther activist Fred Hampton, and the work of the Black Panther Party, as well as themes of justice and solidarity across movements.

Fakhreddine denounces Jameson, says community is "traumatized" in speech

Associate professor of Arabic Literature Huda Fakhreddine criticized Interim Penn President Larry Jameson in a speech to the crowd gathered at the encampment.

“It’s a little too late, Larry,” she said. “Why did it take you so long to remember that we’re part of this community?”

Fakhreddine added that people are “traumatized here” and that “just like [his] predecessor,” Jameson has been “ignoring us and erasing us.”

“We are the University of Pennsylvania community,” she said. “We are diverse. We are Muslim, Christian, Jewish. We are trans, bi, queer, we are cynical, we are neutral. We are committed, we are invested. But most of all, we are angry.”

Fakhreddine is one of the plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit against Penn seeking to prevent the handover of requested documents to Congress.

Penn police create barricade around Ben Franklin statue, power wash paint and chalk off

Penn Police have begun assembling a wide barrier around the Ben Franklin Statue. One Penn employee is spraying down the statue and its surrounding area with a power washer, while another scrubs spray paint off the side. Protesters removed signage from the bush behind the statue.

Programming took a five minute break as a result of the disruption.

Programming continues at encampment

Organizers continued afternoon programming with songs and chants in the center of the encampment on College Green.

Protestors chanted, “We want justice, you say how? We say protect your students now!”

Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine gives speech, describes faculty as 'heartened'

Penn professor and Penn Faculty for Justice in Palestine organizer Dagwami Woubshet spoke to the crowd around 3:15 p.m.

“What we have seen in the last six and a half months here at the University of Pennsylvania is a concerted effort by donors, by politicians, by administrators, not only to suppress the speech of Palestinian members of our community and their allies, but also an effort to distort our language and our actions,” he said.

He also spoke of a “larger conservative right wing, anti intellectual agenda to deliberately misconstrue the terms of our critique.”

After his speech, encampment organizers informed participants to not engage with any counterprotesters.

Counterprotester enters encampment

A counterprotestor entered the encampment on College Green, holding a phone and videoing those participating in the demonstration. Organizers surrounded the individual with flags, signs, and scarves in an effort to prevent the camera from capturing the faces of protestors.

Those surrounding the counterprotestor began a chant of “Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!” before attention was diverted away from the incident and toward a poetry reading.

Green Fest relocation unrelated

The relocation of Green Fest, a student tabling event for Earth Week, unfolded before protestors set the encampment up, according to a source familiar. The source told the DP that Penn Environmental Group put the wrong date on the University Life reservation form, which required that an alternative location be found. 

College Green sprinkler system not scheduled to turn on

A source familiar told The Daily Pennsylvanian that the University is ensuring the sprinkler systems on College Green are not scheduled to turn on.

This comes after concerns among members of the encampment last night that the sprinkler systems would activate around 11 p.m.

Organizers removing signage, chalk from Ben Franklin statue after police orders

Organizers are removing all signage and chalk from the statue and pedestal after a protester spray painted on the Ben Franklin statue in front of College Hall. Police notified the encampment’s legal liaisons that signs, personal items, and writing must be removed from the statue.

Organizers from the encampment used umbrellas to shield the message spray painted on the side of the pedestal after it drew increased attention from onlookers and counter protesters.

Ben Franklin statue vandalized

A protestor — who the DP could not identify — spray painted the words “Zios get fuckt” on the Benjamin Franklin statue in front of College Hall.

Police whistled, but did not confront the individual before approaching the statue and directing their body cameras towards the words. An organizer with the encampment quickly covered the paint with a keffiyah scarf and duct tape, and said towards the crowd “Whoever did that, please do not do that guys.”

Police notified the encampment's police liaisons that all people, signage, and water bottles must be removed from the statue and pedestal. Organizers and their legal observers are in conversation with the police force to determine whether this notice indicates a change in University direction, as they were previously told the encampment had permission to leave protest signage around the statue, according to a police liaison. Penn Police asked the liaison to ask protestors in the encampment to prevent individuals from chalking or climbing the statue.

Student body referendum on Israel divestment to proceed to ballot

At 1:55 p.m., Penn’s Muslim Students Association posted on Instagram that their proposed referendum on divestment from Israel was approved by student government.

The petition, which was circulated on April 24 by Penn MSA and reposted by Penn Students Against the Occupation, asks students whether the University should divest its endowment fund from companies and organizations that “profit from, engage in, or contribute to the government of Israel’s human rights violations.” Voting on the referendum will be open for all undergraduate students until Wednesday.

“The MSA knows that many students have been silenced of their opinions on campus and prevented from engaging in meaningful dialogue about the war due to fear of doxing and physical harm that has occurred on our campus and many campuses across the country,” an MSA spokesperson previously told The Daily Pennsylvanian.

The petition also asks if the University should disclose all investments held through its endowment fund and if Penn should cut ties with Ghost Robotics, a company housed in Pennovation Works that develops four-legged robots for military use that are allegedly used by the Israeli government to “commit human rights violations.”

The petition gathered the 500 signatures necessary to be sent to the undergraduate student body and came before the Nominations and Elections Committee for approval on Wednesday night.

“We understand that the MSA is proposing an unprecedented referendum and we want to stand by our commitment to amplifying student voices and our responsibility to advocating for the student body,” NEC Chair Yousef Elyoussef and UA President Ria Ellendula wrote in a joint statement to the DP on Wednesday. “Our goal is to ensure this is an equitable and transparent process.”

Related:

• Penn student government approves referendum vote on University divestment from Israel

Penn's Jewish Student Advisory Group to meet with admin. today

Representatives from the Jewish Student Advisory Group will meet with Penn administrators later today, though they are not seeking an end to the encampment, according to a message sent to Penn Hillel community members.

The group released a survey "to measure the impact of the hostility of the encampment on Jewish student life." The survey asks community members to report if they have experienced intimidation, faced threats, or had difficulties going to class or preparing for final exams since the start of the encampment.

“Essentially the continuation of the encampment depends on our ability to prove that it has or will create a hostile or intimidating environment on campus,” the message sent to the group reads. “Please note that this is not a petition to end the encampment or arrest protesters, but a survey to measure the impact of the hostility of the encampment on Jewish student life.”

The survey specifically cites various chants made by protesters on College Green, including “Globalize the intifada," "There is only one solution, intifada revolution," "You wanna know what we say about Israelis? They're pigs,” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” It also references posts on Sidechat.

In a statement sent to the Penn community this morning, Interim President Larry Jameson wrote that Penn "will not stand by" if "protected protest and speech deteriorate into words and actions that violate Penn’s policies, disrupt University business, or contribute to an intimidating or hostile environment on our campus.”

Yesterday, a University spokesperson similarly wrote to The Daily Pennsylvanian that "safety is our top priority, and there will be consequences for actions that are not permitted by University policies or local, state, or federal law."

Protestors make signs highlighting their demands

The protesters made several signs and banners emphasizing their demands, which are placed around and within the encampment.

The demands include that Penn disclose financial holdings under the Associated Investment Fund and divest financially from corporations that “profit from Israel’s war on Gaza and occupation in Palestine.”

Signage at the camp includes a banner that says “UPenn, stop engineering genocide.” It includes a QR code to a petition demanding Penn cut ties with Ghost Robotics, a company that engineers four-legged robots that the Israeli military is allegedly using in Gaza.

Another sign in the encampment reads "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."

The protesters’ third demand is that Penn “defend” Palestinian students and their allies, starting with the reinstatement of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine. Signs with related messages say “institute critical thought on Palestine,” “protect our freedom of speech,” and “students will be heard.”

Penn Sustainability's GreenFest moved to Penn Commons, will begin at 1 p.m.

GreenFest, Penn Sustainability’s annual Earth Week tabling festival, will begin at 1 p.m. today at Penn Commons — the area between College Hall and Houston Hall.

As of April 22, the event was set to be held on College Green, but has been moved. The DP was unable to confirm if the relocation was due to the ongoing encampment.

A request for comment has been left with a University spokesperson.

National Lawyers Guild leads training on safe protest as encampment continues

Around 30 people gathered to the opposite side of the encampment on College Green for a training from the National Lawyers Guild.

A member of the National Lawyers Guild wearing a pink shirt addressed a group sitting in a circle on the grass. He said that the organization is there to provide legal support, emphasizing that guild members are all volunteers.

“Surprises happen, and we’ll always have your back no matter what,” he said. “But if we could avoid surprises, that makes everybody’s job easier.”

He said that the guild had met earlier with “Penn Police brass,” who said that they would not arrest anyone in the encampment unless there was violence, escalation, or vandalism. These descriptions of behavior were “very loosely defined” by Penn Police, he said.

The Lawyers Guild representative added that Penn Police said that it would issue a warning before arresting anyone.

“Right now, their operational policy seems to be de-escalation,” he said. “But obviously we can’t promise what the police is going to do or not do.”

A second Lawyers Guild volunteer then spoke to the protesters about how to avoid escalation and remain calm in the face of antagonistic behavior “intended to stir your emotions,” including social media activity or actions by “Zionist” counterprotestors.

“We have to remember what they’re trying to get is that response that makes you look abusive,” she said.

She then addressed protesters’ questions about how to respond to difficult situations.

Throughout the training, other individuals remained among the tents, resting or working on laptops. People continue to bring supplies to the encampment, including snacks and bottles of water, to those camped on College Green.

A sign posted on a tree on College Green names Associate Vice Provost for University Life Tamara Greenfield King. The sign names her as interim vice provost for university life, a title she has previously held. Above a picture of King, the sign reads, “Shame.” Multiple passersby have stopped to look at the sign, including King herself.

ACLU of Pennsylvania releases statement on encampment at Penn, Pa. schools

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania released a statement on student-led pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the state, including the encampment on Penn's campus. The statement called it "imperative that university administrators remember their traditional commitment to free speech and the free exchange of ideas."

"As the ACLU of Pennsylvania has made clear, demonstrations or speech that some may find intolerable is still protected under the First Amendment," the statement said. "The ACLU of Pennsylvania urges college and university administrators to remember the value of open debate and adhere to First Amendment principles as demonstrators express themselves on campus."

Scenes around the encampment

It’s quiet on College Green as many students make their way to class.

Some students are taking graduation pictures on the steps of College Hall, and runners are warming up for the second day of the Penn Relays on Locust Walk.

Inside the encampment, some members talk, some do work, and some make signs. An individual with a loudspeaker is welcoming those on Locust Walk to stop by and grab coffee. Music is now planning, and people are chanting.

People return to encampment with donations, supplies, and Dunkin'

About 10 people joined the encampment as the morning continues, with a few others still dropping off donations of Dunkin', sleeping bags, and CVS supplies.

Three police officers are stationed in front of Van Pelt Library, across from the encampment.

Is a University-sponsored event scheduled to be held on College Green today?

GreenFest, a Penn Sustainability tabling event that highlights “environmentally friendly activities and organizations on campus and in the city,” is scheduled to take place on College Green on Friday, according to a Penn Today calendar.

The Penn Sustainability website, however, currently lists the location for the event — which is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. — as Penn Commons. It is unclear if the event will ultimately take place on Penn Commons or College Green.

A request for comment was left with a representative for Penn Sustainability.

Related:

• 2024 Earth Week begins at Penn with over 30 events set to take place across campus

Penn Bangla to host poetry and song session today

Penn Bangla, a student group dedicated to representing the Bangladeshi/Bengali community at Penn, will host a poetry reading and song session in the College Green encampment at 12:30 p.m. today, according to an Instagram post by the group.

"Bangladeshi and Palestinian Solidarity Goes Back Decades," the group's post reads.

Encampment continues to wake up

As students make their way to their 8:30 a.m. classes, more people are emerging from their tents in the encampment and gathering near the center table — which houses food, water and medical supplies.

The front entrance towards College Hall remains closed, but the building's side entrance is open to PennCard holders, according to representatives with the Division of Public Safety stationed outside.

An Instagram post from Penn Students Against the Occupation this morning asked for a pause in monetary donations following “everyone’s incredible support.” The post encouraged people to donate to “campaigns in Gaza,” and said that the encampment group still needs warm meals, coffee and portable chargers.

Interim Penn President Larry Jameson issues statement

Interim Penn President Larry Jameson sent his first statement on the encampment to the Penn community early Friday morning, pledging “follow-up action as appropriate” based on several conditions.

“Like many other colleges and universities across the country, Penn now has an encampment of protestors, with 10 tents currently on College Green,” Jameson wrote. “We are closely monitoring the encampment to ensure the safety of the Penn community and the protestors.”

The Daily Pennsylvanian observed between 25 and 30 tents as of 8:23 a.m. Friday.

Jameson wrote that while Penn “support[s] the rights of our community members to protest peacefully” and “stand up for free speech,” the University will take action should the protests turn violent.

“We will not stand by, however, if protected protest and speech deteriorate into words and actions that violate Penn’s policies, disrupt University business, or contribute to an intimidating or hostile environment on our campus.”

The statement also made reference to yesterday’s listening session, which was held with Provost John Jackson Jr. at Perry World House.

At the session, which Jameson “left inspired,” 10 members of the Penn community voiced their perspectives about campus safety, open expression, and administrative inaction.

Related:

• Penn threatens consequences for breaking University policies, laws amid pro-Palestinian encampment

Food dropped at encampment amid frost warning

As the sun rises and foot traffic on Locust Walk increases, food continues to be dropped off at the encampment.

The Philly Palestine Coalition wrote on an Instagram post this morning that the group “urgently needed” items such as hand warmers and portable chargers.

A frost advisory, which began at 2 a.m., is set to last until 9 a.m. according to the National Weather Service.

Suspension of pro-Palestinian group prompted by violations of University requirements

Penn’s ban of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine was due to the group’s failure to meet the University’s requirements for student organizations, a source familiar with the situation told the DP.

The group was deregistered following an investigation by the Center for Community Standards and Accountability, which found the group had failed to meet requirements for providing membership information, identifying those who perform operational functions of the organization, and providing student members’ contact information.

A faculty complaint initially prompted the CSA investigation, according to the source.

Participants in the ongoing College Green encampment listed the reinstatement of PAO as one of their demands.

Sun rises over encampment

Participants in the encampment begin their second day on College Green.

The group is demanding that Penn divests from Israel, corporations that benefit from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, and Israeli institutions committing “scholasticide.” It also demands that Penn defend Palestinian students, including granting amnesty to students involved in pro-Palestinian activism and reinstating Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine.

A police car remained parked in front of Van Pelt Library facing the encampment over the night.

Photo by Anna Vazhaeparambil.