April 2024 Protest Encampment

In spring 2024, protests with encampments happened at universities from coast to coast. There were thousands of arrests on more than 40 U.S. campuses, according to national media reports.

Like all college campuses, demonstrations are common at ASU on many topics and viewpoints. These are generally peaceful and without incident, and the university is committed to protecting free speech and free expression. Since the April 26-27 protest at ASU, there have been four other pro-Palestine protests on campus without issue. However, the April protests were different because there were multiple violations of university or ABOR policy including tents, overnight presence, creating a university disturbance and being in a reservable space that wasn’t reserved by ASU students, per policy. The unlawful assembly remained well past the 11 p.m. cutoff time established by policy.

After all-day discussions about the need to remove the encampment, protestors – most of whom were not students -- were told at least 20 times over loudspeakers that the encampment was an unlawful assembly and they had to disperse or face arrest. People were also warned throughout the day of the potential legal, student conduct code and academic consequences.

Of the 72 people who were arrested, the great majority were not students at the university. Current students who were arrested were placed on interim (temporary) suspension; most were back on campus for classes by fall 2024.

Former ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson retired from the university earlier this year.

ASU’s first priority is to create a safe and secure environment for all those on campus. This includes addressing the safety of individuals who come to campus to speak, listen, protest and counter-protest.