ASU Protest Encampment

Campus encampments associated with protests are a national issue at universities from coast to coast. There have been more than 2,000 arrests on 44 campuses, according to national media reports. We are updating a few items based on recent media and social media reports.
 

Like all college campuses, demonstrations are common at ASU on many topics and viewpoints, often monthly if not weekly. These are generally peaceful and without incident, and the university continues to be committed to protecting free speech and free expression. Since the April 27 arrests, there have been four more pro-Palestine protests on campus without issue.

The April 26 encampment was more than a protest. 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.

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. 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.
 

The updated number for the currently enrolled ASU students arrested on campus Friday or early Saturday is 20, up from the initial report of 15 once processing was completed by law enforcement. Students are also subject to the Student Code of Conduct, which applies regardless of whether they were arrested or are prosecuted.

ASU is aware of concerns about the manner in which a woman, or women, in police custody early Saturday morning were prepared for transport to the county jail along with the other 68 people who were arrested for refusal to leave the ASU campus. ASU understands and appreciates the cultural concerns expressed and is reviewing the matter as part of a comprehensive review of events on Friday and early morning Saturday, which is being directed by the Office of General Counsel.

Current students who were arrested have been placed on an interim (temporary) suspension. The students have the right to appeal this temporary status, and any other consequences (such as long-term suspension or expulsion) would be determined only after further investigation and hearings.

On May 1, ASU sent an update to impacted students that answered questions about their interim suspension, specifically about the appeal process and permissible contact with their instructors or staff members. Students can select a faculty member to serve as their advisor through the student conduct process.

The ASU Office of General Counsel is directing a review of the establishment and removal of the encampment on the Alumni Lawn on April 26 and 27. Upon completion of the review, ASU will provide an update on its findings.

The ASU Police Department is in the process of submitting complete information regarding the arrests to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for its review and charging decisions.  It is our understanding that while the arrested individuals are required to appear in Court May 14, the arraignments will occur at a later date rather than at the hearings originally scheduled for May 14.