Approximately 20 Philadelphia Police Officers in riot gear entered the barricades blocking the 5 protesters seated by the 34th and Walnut entrance.
Police set up additional barricades at 34th and Walnut, leaving only a path for bans to leave. Protesters chanted “we see you, we love you, we will get justice for you” as they set up.
The first protestor was removed from the statue and arrested using zip-tie handcuffs. Organizers continued to sing “We shall not be moved” as the individual was escorted away under custody. Members of the press, including reporters for the Daily Pennsylvanian, were escorted from the area where arrests are taking place. Police, both Penn and Philadelphia, physically pushed reporters and photographers from the area. Legal observers were also forced to leave, being threatened with arrest if they did not move.
Police in riot gear arrived at the encampment as thirty protestors including Penn students linked arms and surrounded the Ben Franklin statue on College Green. Officers served papers to the protestors containing a written warning of trespass. Penn Police officers removed zip ties from metal barricades around the encampment.
Pro-Palestinian protesters moved over barricades surrounding the Gaza Solidarity Encampment during an 8 p.m. rally at the Ben Franklin Statue on College Green. “Hey hey, ho ho, Zionists have got to go,” the protesters chanted as they surrounded the Ben Franklin statue, which now holds a Palestinian flag. A person atop the statue is currently leading the crowd in chants.
Penn administrators entered the encampment around noon on Thursday and took several photos of those inside, prompting chants of “shame” from participants. Associate Vice Provosts for University Life Tamara Greenfield King and Sharon Smith, and Office of Student Affairs Executive Director Katie Bonner, walked into the central area of tents and took photos of several people inside the encampment using their phones. An individual in the encampment described the interaction as “harassing,” and added that it appears administrators are continuing to try and divide the encampment into two groups: those who hold PennCards and those who do not. After University administrators left the encampment, an individual on a megaphone suggested that Penn students in the encampment put on masks. The interaction marks another step in increased tensions between those in the encampment and University officials. It is unclear if this is a step towards officials asking those on College Green for identification, as has been warned by Penn officials. In an April 27 statement, organizers wrote that they “will continue to occupy this space” until the encampment’s demands are met — signaling that they will not comply with a Friday night demand to disband the encampment. #news #protest #rally #college #penn
A Drexel student attempted to enter the pro-Palestinian encampment. Pro-Palestinian protesters formed a semi-circle around the individual, barring them from entering. After a short back and forth, police escorted the individual off the premises.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators held a rally at City Hall on Thursday afternoon before marching into West Philadelphia and joining a faculty walkout at Penn. The Daily Pennsylvanian staffers closely followed the protestors throughout the day as they finished their first night of encampment on College Green. Footage by: The Daily Pennsylvanian Staff
Welcome to Bite-Sized! Every week, we’ll be looking at the biggest headlines you should know. Last week, our reporters covered crucial stories within the Penn administration. The Daily Pennsylvanian also spoke with Carolyn Ureña, Penn’s director of academic advising, to discuss how first years in the College of Arts and Sciences are matched with pre-major advisors. In addition, Penn has yet to begin a presidential search four months after Magill’s resignation, and state funding remains unclear for the School of Veterinary Medicine amid antisemitism concerns. Check out more on our reporting on our website.
Just how fast is Matt Fallon at swimming? The Daily Pennsylvanian’s sports writers put the Olympic hopeful to the test in our first episode of “Pro vs. Joes”! Watch to see four average students race one of the nation’s top swimmers in the 200-yard breaststroke. Featuring: Matt Fallon, Walker Carnathan, Weining Ding, Valeri Guevarra, Tyler Ringhofer
Last week, our reporters covered important community stories. Administrators in Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences consider extensive changes to the College curriculum, and Penn Fund donations are down 21% from this time last year. In addition, The Daily Pennsylvanian analyzed the most affordable grocery stores around Penn. Check out more on our reporting on our website
Congratulations to the Penn Class of 2028 regular decision admitted students! According to the University, more than 65,000 students applied to Penn this year during the regular decision cycle — marking the largest application pool in Penn’s history and an increase of more than 10% from last year. Check out how these new Quakers reacted to their acceptances! #collegereaction #reactionvideo #reaction #college #thedp #dailypennsylvanian #penn
Welcome to Bite-Sized! Every week, we’ll be looking at the biggest headlines you should know. Last week, our reporters covered important stories about faculty and student life. The Daily Pennsylvanian analyzed what withdrawn Penn donors think about the 2024 presidential election, and students voiced complaints about off-campus landlords. Moreover, Amy Wax fired back at Faculty Board sanctions in a new interview. Check out more on our reporting on our website. #penn #thedp #DailyPennsylvanian #news
Track and field athletes Bella Whittaker and Liv Morganti collected numerous accolades this indoor season, including setting program records in the sprint and steeplechase events, respectively. The DP videographers met with Whittaker and Morganti at “the Bubble” and Franklin Field to ask them 10 questions about their goals, favorite spots on campus, hot takes, and more! #BellaWhittaker #LivMorganti #trackandfield #track #college #collegesports #ncaa #thedp #dailypennsylvanian
Introducing “10 Questions,” The Daily Pennsylvanian’s newest sports video series! Track and field athletes Scott Dochat and Scott Toney collected numerous accolades this indoor season, including setting program records in the weight throw and pole vault events respectively. The DP videographers met with Dochat and Toney at Franklin Field to ask them 10 questions about their goals, favorite spots on campus, go-to Wawa orders, and more!
Welcome to Bite-Sized! Every week, we’ll be looking at the biggest headlines you should know. Last week, our reporters covered important stories in the Penn community. President Joe Biden discussed one of his granddaughters’ Penn application with then-President Amy Gutmann and then-Dean of Admissions Eric Furda, and two of the largest Penn Engineering clubs expressed dissatisfaction with inadequate support and unequal treatment from Penn. Moreover, 2000 College graduate and 2005 Wharton MBA graduate Caroline Strzalka, founder of Overplay, received a $500,000 investment on a recently aired episode of Shark Tank. Check out more on our reporting on our website.
Welcome to Bite-Sized! Every week, we’ll be looking at the biggest headlines you should know. Last week, our reporters covered key developments in the Penn community. Penn’s Center for Community Standards and Accountability launched an investigation on pro-Palestinian student group Penn Against the Occupation, and demolition began in the UC Townhomes. In addition, Penn’s men’s basketball freshman guard Tyler Perkins enters the transfer portal after a record-setting season. Check out more on our reporting on our website.
Welcome to Bite-sized! Every week, we’ll be looking at the biggest headlines you should know. Last week, our reporters covered community updates. The DP acquired new documents regarding the Mackenzie Fierceton case and conducted an analysis of the exchanges between Fierceton and Penn. In addition, the DP conducted an analysis of the demographics of Penn’s Board of Trustees, and a group of Penn professors filed a lawsuit to stop the University from submitting documents related to alleged antisemitism on campus to Congress. Check out more on our reporting on our website.
Solutions by The State News
