From suspensions to expulsions to criminal charges, college students across the U.S. involved in these pro-Palestinian protests could face life-changing consequences. Some are demanding amnesty for these protesters.

New York

College students across the United States participating in pro-Palestinian protests face various repercussions, including suspensions, expulsions, and even criminal charges. Amidst these developments, calls for amnesty from universities and police departments are intensifying. These actions follow a series of protests on college campuses nationwide, highlighting the potential for life-altering consequences for those involved.

Andrew De La Salas, a junior at Washington University in St. Louis, was suspended and charged with trespassing after attempting to establish an encampment on campus. De La Salas shared his concern about the impact of these consequences on his future but emphasized his commitment to the cause. Washington University's chancellor issued a statement expressing determination to prevent the escalation of protests on campus, a sentiment echoed by administrators at other institutions.

In response to the expulsion of students involved in a pro-Palestinian sit-in, more than 150 faculty members at Vanderbilt University, including law professor Terry Maroney, authored an open letter criticizing the expulsions as excessive. Some students have sought avenues to contest university disciplinary actions, with expelled Vanderbilt students engaging in internal appellate processes and Columbia students filing a federal civil rights complaint.

As discussions about the appropriate response to student protests continue, the role of local prosecutors in addressing criminal charges remains pivotal. In a recent decision, Travis County attorney Delia Garcia dismissed charges against 57 students arrested during a demonstration at the University of Texas, citing a reluctance to suppress peaceful demonstrations. Despite this, the overall number of arrests related to campus protests across the country has exceeded 1,000.



More than 1,000 student protesters arrested across U.S.

As pro-Palestinian protests take over college campuses nationwide, a growing chorus of critics are calling for universities and police departments to offer amnesty to student protesters. From suspensions to expulsions to criminal charges, students involved in these protests could face life-changing consequences. I've been banned from the same campus that actually issued an award for my leadership in service two weeks ago. And I've been notified of my immediate suspension by the dean of students. Andrew De La Salas is a junior at Washington University in St. Louis. De La Salas and dozens of others were arrested after attempting to set up an encampment on WashU's campus. De La Salas has now been suspended by the university and charged with trespassing. I would love to graduate. I want to continue to go to this school. This is where my friends are. This is where my community is. But if in 30, 40 years, if I have to look back at it and think, well, I was arrested from this institution that has given me a space to do all these wonderful things and meet all these wonderful people, then at least I did it for a cause I believe in. In a note to students, WashU's chancellor said, quote, we've all watched this process have spiraled out of control on other campuses across the country in recent months. We are not letting this happen here. Vanderbilt's chancellor struck a similar tone after expelling students following a pro-Palestinian sit-in in the chancellor's office. This is something we will be ashamed of. And some of us are ashamed of it right now. Professor Terry Maroney, a Vanderbilt law professor, is one of more than 150 faculty who penned an open letter to university officials calling the expulsions excessive and punitive. What is the best thing to do to preserve their future while having them experience appropriate consequences? That's not what Vanderbilt is doing right now. They're just throwing the book at them so that they can make a point to a broader audience. Many of the students impacted have some avenues of recourse to fight university discipline. All expelled students at Vanderbilt are in active internal appellate processes. Columbia students filed a federal civil rights complaint alleging extreme different treatment of pro-Palestinian students. Whatever happens in this appeals process really sets the stage for their possibilities in life, particularly the expelled students. As for the criminal charges, it will come down to decisions by local prosecutors. At the University of Texas, Travis County attorney Delia Garcia dropped all charges against 57 students arrested during a demonstration last week on UT's campus. She said in a statement reacting to more arrests Monday, It is not our role to assist the governor's efforts to suppress non-violent and peaceful demonstrations. The number of people arrested on college campuses across the country continue to grow, now sitting well above 1,000.

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