LOS ANGELES (Diya TV) — A series of protests advocating for Palestinian rights has resulted in arrests at both Pomona College in California and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. At Pomona College, 19 students were arrested following a sit-down protest, while Vanderbilt University saw the arrest of a Nashville Scene reporter and disciplinary actions against students involved in a sit-in demanding divestment from pro-Israel companies.
At Pomona College, the demonstration, organized by Pomona Divest Apartheid, initially began as a peaceful protest against the removal of pro-Palestinian artwork on campus. However, tensions escalated when protesters occupied the college president’s office after the removal of an “apartheid wall” featuring student artwork supporting Palestine.
Claremont police reported that approximately 100 to 150 protesters gathered outside the president’s office, with around 30 to 40 entering the building. Despite attempts by campus staff to communicate with the protesters, they refused to leave, resulting in their arrest for trespassing.
Meanwhile, at Vanderbilt University, Nashville Scene reporter Eli Motycka was arrested during a student protest related to the school’s decision to block a vote on a resolution supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Motycka, who was covering the protest, was handcuffed and held at the Davidson County jail.
In response to the incident, Motycka has demanded an apology from Vanderbilt University, stating that the details provided by the university regarding his arrest were inaccurate. He emphasized that he behaved professionally and courteously throughout the event and called for the release of any private camera footage to clarify the circumstances of his arrest.
Additionally, Vanderbilt University has faced criticism from faculty members for its handling of the protest, with dozens signing a letter condemning the administration’s response and calling for the reversal of disciplinary actions against students involved in the sit-in.
