Protesters at Dunn Meadow Wednesday included Indiana University students, faculty and other community members. (Aubrey Wright, WFIU/WTIU)
Protests are breaking out throughout the nation in opposition to the war between Israel and Hamas and the role the U.S. plays in it.
At Indiana University, students and faculty are pressuring the university to divest from Israel.
IU Divestment Coalition spokesperson Bryce Greene said the group hopes to remain in Dunn Meadow until their demands are met.
Read more: Pro-Palestine protestors arrested at IU
You can follow our news team throughout the day on here and on X @WFIUWTIUNews.
Sunday, May 5
2:00 p.m.
IU Divestment Coalition spokesperson Bryce Greene said the group will relax today after a few days of organizing. The group may announce a movie showing tonight, but they have no other plans for the day. About thirty tents have been put up.
It’s going to be a relaxed day for these protesters after organizing earlier this week.
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) May 5, 2024
Not much to report, but a leader told me there might be an announcement about a movie screening @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/hbFvSXxilp
11:30 a.m.
Indiana Public Media's higher education reporter Aubrey Wright says the Dunn Meadow encampment is quiet this morning, after an eventful day yesterday.
A quiet morning here at the IU Divestment Coalition’s encampment protest at @IUBloomington
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) May 5, 2024
My @WFIUWTIUNews coworkers reported on commencement protests this weekend.
Read more about Dunn Meadow alternative ceremony:https://t.co/f0jo02IEVr
9:00 a.m.
Protesters spent another night in Dunn Meadow, 11 days after setting up their encampment.
Last night, the group called its commencement walkout a success. A group of soon-to-be graduates walked out as President Pamela Whitten began speaking.
Saturday, May 4
9:00 p.m.
IU Kelley School of Business faculty have passed a resolution calling to reverse an ad hoc policy on gatherings in Dunn Meadow, to repeal campus bans on arrested protesters, and to terminate the employment of senior IU officials based on their handling of the protests.
BREAKING: Kelley faculty pass resolution
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 5, 2024
Repeal ad hoc policy (Y 238, N 39, A 17)
Repeal campus bans (Y 240, N 32, A 22)
Terminate Whitten and Shrivastav based on handling of Dunn Meadow (Y 227, N 32, A 35; Y 215, N 40, A 38) @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/simzOeReKp
8:30 p.m.
Loud boos could be heard as President Pamela Whitten took the stage.
Then, a small group of students walked out of the stadium to express solidarity with the group of protesters camped out in Dunn Meadow.
About a dozen students walked out as soon as Whitten appeared on screen. pic.twitter.com/kirroOekLY
— Patrick Beane (@pjbeane) May 4, 2024
Some in the crowd chanted "USA, USA!" as they left.
Another group of about a dozen escorted out. Booed by those in this corner. Chants of “USA!, USA!” earlier. pic.twitter.com/S0Sun1qbJ1
— Patrick Beane (@pjbeane) May 4, 2024
The event continued without any major disruptions.
8:00 p.m.
IU's commencement is underway. As the ceremony got started, Indiana Public Media staff photographed two planes doing circles around the stadium. Both are dragging banners supporting Gaza.
Plane flying overhead of IU graduation. Says “let Gaza live.” pic.twitter.com/8YytfKfzO2
— Patrick Beane (@pjbeane) May 4, 2024
A second plane included a message calling on President Pamela Whitten to resign.
Airplane banner now says "divest now – Whitten resign" @IUBloomington @WFIUWTIUNews
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 4, 2024
photo by @dgr93 pic.twitter.com/gmZOSeDinK
5:00 p.m.
Indiana University's undergraduate commencement ceremony starts in two hours. IU has designed protest zones outside graduation venues ahead of its commencement planned for Saturday evening. The Bloomington, Indiana, campus is designating zones outside Memorial Stadium, where ceremonies will be held Saturday for undergraduates. Our team is covering the graduation and protests.
Special thanks to our chief videographer, Devan Ridgway @dgr93 the man behind the camera. Whenever you're watching our coverage, there's a good chance it was shot or edited by this guy. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/dbBrLKjSW9
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 4, 2024
3:30
Many IU faculty members are speaking at the Divestment Coalition graduation. Professors Barbara Dennis, Ben Robinson and Abdulkader Sinno have been among the speakers.
Prof Barbara Dennis: "Education is liberation." @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/yT4CI88Dtt
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 4, 2024
Instead of receiving diplomas, graduates dip their hands in paint and press them on a white canvas @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/1FMqkvj7C2
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 4, 2024
2:30 p.m.
Undergraduate commencement will be at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. The university plans to have a dedicated space for protestsors.
At 2:30 p.m. the IU Divestment Coalition, which has been camping out in Dunn Meadow since April 25, started the Divestment Coalition Commencement.
Ceremonies are starting at the IU Divestment Coalition commencement. Families, professors, and students join together in chants @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/ihFHWkoakm
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 4, 2024
Some of the people in the Meadow, are among the 57 who were arrested and given a one year ban from the university.
Professors Barbara Dennis and Ben Robinson back on campus for the alternative graduation. Both had their bans stayed after being arrested at last week's protests. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/ivyvE1Ax2O
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 4, 2024
Bryce Greene, the organizer of the Divestment Coalition, was banned from campus for five years. He says he found out yesterday, that IUPD rejected his appeal.
2:00 p.m.
The IU Divestment Coalition graduation ceremony commences soon at Dunn Meadow.
The commencement stage in Dunn Meadow. Tents have been rearranged to clear a staging area @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/QUeWMQDeCI
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 4, 2024
Today, IU will celebrate the graduating Class of 2024 with the Spring Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Memorial Stadium gates will open at 5:30 pm, with the processional beginning at 7 pm. Get more commencement information at https://t.co/QesH9ZuIl8. pic.twitter.com/Kqs6jkFklF
— IU Bloomington (@IUBloomington) May 4, 2024
Friday, May 3
6:00 p.m.
A group of faculty held a silent protest Friday afternoon outside of the IU graduate student commencement ceremony, and they plan to return for Saturday's undergraduate commencement.
WATCH: Around thirty professors already gathered to protest IU administration. Cars begin to pull in for commencement. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/nlIzcrEBG0
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 3, 2024
They stood in solidarity with students who are protesting the university’s ties to Israel. Wearing graduation gowns and holding protest signs, they distributed mock diplomas listing their grievances against President Pamela Whitten.
Ranu Samantrai, an associate professor in the English Department, said faculty have been concerned for some time about threats to academic freedom from the administration. The heavy police response to pro-Palestine protests on campus was a tipping point.
“We are very concerned to protect our students,” Samantrai said. “Both physically and to protect the education that they receive that fosters a diversity of opinion, that fosters contrary opinions if necessary.”
Fifty-seven people were arrested last week when the IU administration called state police to remove tents from a protest in the campus free speech zone following a last-minute policy change.
3:30 p.m.
The graduate commencement has begun. Several audience members are yelling as President Pamela Whitten begins her speech.
President Whitten begins speaking as several audience members and graduates shout "resign!" @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/3fljCnSoYt
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 3, 2024
IU Divestment Coalition leader Bryce Greene said his ban was not stayed. So far, it appears he is the only student whose ban was not stayed when they appealed to the university.
Today I learned that while my appeals process has started for my ban from campus, the ban will not be stayed and I am still not allowed on IU Bloomington's campus for five years.
— Bryce Greene (@TheGreeneBJ) May 3, 2024
2:00 p.m.
A few dozen protesters gathered outside the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center around 1 p.m. to demand prosecutors drop the charge against a student protester who was arrested last Thursday.
Protesters have gathered outside the Charlotte Zietlow Justice Center in Downtown Bloomington. They’re protesting the felony charge against student protester James Jones. Police allege Jones bit a state trooper on the wrist during Dunn Meadow protests @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/nMocAqQJz5
— Lucas González (@fez_irl) May 3, 2024
1:30 p.m.
Protestors are gathered outside of Assembly Hall ahead of today's 3 p.m. graduation.
WATCH: Around thirty professors already gathered to protest IU administration. Cars begin to pull in for commencement. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/nlIzcrEBG0
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 3, 2024
1:00 p.m.
An Indiana University student who was arrested during anti-war protests at Dunn Meadow bit a state trooper on the wrist and fled from police before an IU officer tackled him to the ground, a court document alleges.
James Jones, 21, is charged with battery against a public safety official as a level 6 felony. His court hearing begins at 1 p.m.
Also, graduation prep is underway at Assembly Hall.
At Assembly Hall ahead of grad commencement. An IU spokesperson told me they're waiting to set up the protest zone here until after the CAS graduation gets out. Pretty quiet, commencement is at 3. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/UhuCWGDuv2
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 3, 2024
10:00 a.m.
The Indiana ACLU says they filed a suit against Indiana University claiming the university "violated the First Amendment rights of three plaintiffs facing a one-year ban from campus for their participation in political protests on the IU-Bloomington campus."
The three plaintiffs are Bloomington resident Jasper Wirtshafter, tenured professor Ben Robinson and current graduate student Madeleine Meldrum.
The full compaint can be read here.
9:00 a.m.
The graduate student commencement begins at 3 p.m. today in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. A live stream will be available on the university's website.
A university email to graduates and their families this week said protesters will have a designated area outside the graduation venues. It also said banners, placards and flags are specifically banned in the venues.
Read more: IU prepares for protests at commencement
Nearly 10,000 students are eligible to attend the ceremonies this year.
A social media post circulating on Instagram urged protesters to wear “your keffiyeh along with your cap and gown” and walk out during Saturday's remarks by President Pamela Whitten.
IU faculty are planning protest today and tomorrow before each ceremony. The protests will be silent to honor their students.
Roughly 20 tents set up by protesters remained in place this week in Dunn Meadow.
Maya Wasserman, a 22-year-old senior in management who is Jewish, said she and her family feel uncomfortable about the prospect of pro-Palestinian protests disrupting commencement. She expressed special concern for her mother and grandmother, who are Israeli.
“It’s unfortunate because we want this event to be about graduating, not politics,” Wasserman said.
At Dunn Meadow, students in lawn chairs or on blankets worked on their final assignments. Jessica Missey, a 20-year-old protester and senior, said she boycotted final exams; some professors, she said, simply canceled them. She has enjoyed the camaraderie at the encampment.
“Commencement is kind of just taking almost a little sidestep for me,” said Missey.
Isabella Volmert with the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Thursday, May 2
5:00 p.m.
Jewish Voice for Peace-Indiana released a statement condemning IU administration.
3:30 p.m.
More than 1,000 IU Bloomington faculty signed an open letter calling for the immidiate resignation or ternimation of Whitten and Shrivastav. This follows the faculty's vote of no confidence a week before protests began. Included in the signatures is two of the faculty who were arrested along with students during the protests.
Professor Ben Robinson, who was arrested last week, was back on campus today after his ban was stayed.
Professor Ben Robinson is back on campus after his ban was stayed. Robinson was arrested last week at the protests and later arrested in Chicago outside the Israeli consulate. He's an activist on campus involved in the @AAUP and @IndianaGrads @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/OBa69jtKG8
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 2, 2024
The IU Jacob's School of Music passed a resolution among faculty that university leaders withdraw the new Dunn Meadow policy, reverse campus bans, and called for the immidiate resignation of Whitten and Shrivastav.
@IUBloomington faculty from the Jacobs School of Music @IUJSoM passed the following resolution:
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 2, 2024
Repeal Dunn Meadow policy passed by ad hoc committee (Y 108, N 6, A 10)
Reverse campus bans (Y 112, N 7, A 5)
Resignations of Whitten and Shrivastav (Y 92, N 11, A 21) @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/QsAFf5EzgN
3:00 p.m.
A small group is at Showalter Fountain for a peaceful pro-Israel gathering.
Small pro-Israel rally down the road from the Gaza solidarity encampment at Indiana University. Speakers say the anti-war protesters in Dunn Meadow want Jewish people to die, which isn't something I've heard from anyone at the tent protests pic.twitter.com/CwEfyyeBq8
— George Hale (@georgehale) May 2, 2024
Over at Dunn Meadow, there are about 200 people.
There's roughly 200 people camped out right now on the grass right now, playing guitars and serving food. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/7H0f4S9WJZ
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 2, 2024
1 p.m.
Protesters went to Bryan Hall to attempt to speak with administration. The group wants to deliver Pamela Whitten a resignation letter they wrote. They then moved to Bryan House, Whitten's on-campus house to speak and leave copies of the letter.
protesters on their way to present a resignation letter at Whitten's house https://t.co/EbxaQNi4Pe
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 2, 2024
12 p.m.
@IUBloomington School of Social Work @IUSocialWork faculty senate unanimously passed their resolution affirming free speech, denouncing "violent action by police with military gear", and demanding to repeal campus bans and reverse Dunn Meadow policy changes @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/UcYvUi8kcW
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 2, 2024
11:00 a.m.
IU Faculty & Staff for Israel is planning a separate rally at 2 p.m. at Showalter Fountain condemning "glorification of Hamas."
It's led by Gunther Jikeli, associate director of IU’s Institute for the Study of Contemporary Antisemitism who teaches Jewish and Germanic studies.
Read more: Protesters in Dunn Meadow say they hope to avoid clash with Israel supporters
This morning, Vice Provost Carrie Docherty sent an email to faculty that her office will focus on "building trust and creating a strong campus community."
@IUBloomington Vice Provost for Faculty & Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty sent an email this morning to faculty about "developing a collaborative future." @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/Q81DC6mqKw
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 2, 2024
Rep. Jim Banks (R, IN-03) wrote a column for the Indianapolis Star that published this morning. In it, he says he stands with President Pamela Whitten and urges other state officials to do the same.
"Like many adolescents, IU’s faculty protesters think they should have their cake and eat it too," his column says. "They want credit from other fellow leftists for their civil disobedience against what they describe as an oppressive, colonialist IU regime. That’s fine — but they also think they, and their political allies, should be immune from prosecution when they break the law. It’s a completely unreasonable conclusion that could only be drawn by people who’ve spent their life in an ivory tower shielded from the consequences of their own actions."
Wednesday, May 1
5:00 p.m.
IU Faculty and Staff for Israel released an open letter to the Board of Trustees, IU Bloomington administrators and faculty. Their full letter can be read on the group's website.
The group claimed to recieve "relaible reports" of targette harrassment of Jewish students. The letter said those who align themselves with Hamas are "enablers of annihilist Jew-hatred."
The group urged university leaders to oppose anti-Jewish and anti-Irsael hostility.
3:00 p.m.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners put out a statement requesting university administrators revert to the 1969 Dunn Meadow policy, drop any charges against protesters and allow banned students and faculty to return to campus.
11:00 a.m.
On April 30, 2024, the Bloomington Library Faculty voted that:
The Bloomington Library Faculty publicly affirms the university's commitment to uphold free expression for all members of the campus community, including the right to peaceful protest and dissent, even on controversial topics. Passes with a vote of 81 Yes, 1 No.
The Bloomington Library Faculty condemns the use of violence and excessive force against our own IU community members. Passes with a vote of 81 Yes, 1 Abstain.
The Bloomington Library Faculty recommends that the new “Outdoor Spaces” policy about the use of Dunn Meadow adopted by an “ad hoc committee” on Wednesday 4.24.24 be withdrawn immediately, and revert to the original Policy for the Use of Indiana University Assembly Ground (BL-ACA-I18), re-establishing Dunn Meadow as a designated area for free speech and peaceful assembly, upholding its legacy as a gathering place for the university community. Passes with a vote of 80 Yes, 1 No, 1 Abstain.
The Bloomington Library Faculty calls for all students, staff & faculty who were banned from IU property for violating the new policy adopted by the “ad hoc committee” on 4.24.24 to be allowed back on campus immediately with all related charges dropped and disciplinary records expunged. Passes with a vote of 79 Yes, 1 No, 2 Abstain.
Due to their encroachment on the right to free speech; their undermining of peaceful protest; their endangerment of students, staff and faculty; and their abuse of the powers of their offices, the Bloomington Library Faculty calls for the immediate resignations of President Pamela Whitten and Provost Rahul Shrivastav. Passes with a vote of 73 Yes, 2 No, 7 Abstain.
8:00 a.m.
Day 7 of the @IUBloomington Gaza protests@WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/Kk2CgccVRL
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) May 1, 2024
Tuesday, April 30
5:00 p.m.
Indiana University sent an email to students that graduation is still happening, but there will be additional safety measures.
"To ensure our graduates can mark this significant moment in a way that reflects all their outstanding achievements, we’re implementing additional safety measures for a successful celebration," the email says.
"IU respects the free sharing of ideas and viewpoints, and it is our duty to uphold the right to peaceful protest under the First Amendment. Therefore, our ceremonies will have a designated area for protests outside the venue, and inside the venue staffers will respond to disruptions, beginning with warnings and requests to respect the importance of the celebrations for our graduates and their families.
"We are committed to providing a meaningful Commencement ceremony worthy of our graduates’ accomplishments.
"The safety of graduates and guests is our top priority. As with all major IU events, guests will walk through metal detectors upon arrival and all bags will be subject to inspection. Guests are permitted to bring clear bags that are approximately the size of a one-gallon freezer bag or small clutch approximately the size of a hand. Prohibited items include backpacks, banners, placards, flags, noise makers, weapons, packages and outside food and beverage."
4:00 p.m.
IUPD Public Information Officer Hannah Skibba sent updated numbers to WFIU News.
Read more: No charges filed against those arrested at Dunn Meadow protests
Arrests on 4/25/24
- 3 faculty
- 5 graduate students
- 18 undergraduate students
- 1 Fall 2024 admitted student
- 1 former student
- 5 no affiliation
- 1 unknown
Total: 34
Arrests on 4/27/24
- 1 faculty
- 3 graduate students
- 11 undergraduate students
- 2 staff
- 4 no affiliation
- 2 unknown
Total: 23
All 57 arrests were made by the Indiana State Police.
3:00 p.m.
Monroe County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Jeff Kehr says no formal charges have been filed against protesters who were arrested, and the Prosecutor's Office is still going through the reports and digital evidence. He added the arrests were for misdemeanors with the exception of one felony battery charge.
1:00 p.m.
The Bloomington Multifaith Alliance met in Dunn Meadow to give speeches.
@WFIUWTIUNews Interfaith leaders take to Dunn Meadow: pic.twitter.com/Nmc5i2JPNm
— Clayton Baumgarth (@theclaygerbaum) April 30, 2024
10:30 a.m.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis sent a statement to WFIU News, which says they "received reliable reports that the behavior of some protesters has crossed over to targeted harassment of Jewish students and faculty members." The full statement is below.
7:00 a.m.
There will be an interfaith rally to support students today.
Day 6 of the divestment protests on @IUBloomington campus. Follow @WFIUWTIUNews for hourly coverage today#Israel #gaza #HigherEducation pic.twitter.com/hObO6WsSrR
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) April 30, 2024
Monday, April 29
5:30 p.m.
IU Bloomington Faculty President Colin Johnson wrote an open letter, calling for IU President Pamela Whitten's resignation. In the letter, Johnson criticizes the administrations decision to enact a new policy against temporary structures on IU's designated free speech zone.
His letter said:
"Despite (Whitten's) recent promises to listen and learn, I am very skeptical that President Whitten is likely do either. Rather, I strongly suspect that what she will continue to do is what she has done for the past three years, which is make one questionable decision after another resulting in one terrible headline after another, and then blame the chaos she has played an integral role in creating on somebody else, or on circumstances beyond her control. That is something, but it is not leadership."
Open Letter - 4.29.24 Colin (1) by Indiana Public Media News on Scribd
2:30 p.m.
WTIU's Isabella Vesperini reports the protest at Dunn Meadow has a med team, and about 20 people have been taught CPR and other medical practices.At this time, people are playing cards, doing work and helping set up for lunch. Things remain peaceful.@WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/pX5lvq9kyO— Isabella Vesperini (@IVesperini) April 29, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Protesters are moving to Dunn Meadow now. Speeches are ending @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/eJRr7vyEX9
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) April 29, 2024
11:30 a.m.
Indiana University Police have blocked off Indiana Avenue, where protesters have gathered.
Protesters pass around a petition for faculty to sign asking trustees to remove Whitten
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) April 29, 2024
10:30 a.m.
Grad student Matthew Rodriguez on IU's late game policy change for tents in Dunn Meadow @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/0RS2Pmjroh
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) April 29, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Protesters head to Bryan Hall for a faculty protest calling for the resignation of IU President Pamela Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty.
Large crowds continue to build @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/oTpMprMwiF
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) April 29, 2024
9:20 a.m.
Bryce Greene of the IU Divestment Coalition gives a press conference this morning outside Dunn Meadow. He says they will continue to implement safety procedures in case of further police activity. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/mRXFJq11PN
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) April 29, 2024
Just before the rally, IU Diverstment Coalition's Bryce Greene gave a press conference near Dunn Meadow by East Seventh Street. He was arrested with other students over the weekend. He faces a disdemeanor charge for trespassing and a five year ban from campus.
Greene reiterated the coalition’s goals: to investigate IU’s ties to Israel and the military industrial complex, and for IU to divest from groups profiting from the war. The group also wants IU President Pamela Whitten, Provost Rahul Shrivastav, and Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Carrie Docherty to resign.
8:30 a.m.
Today I'll be covering day five of the ongoing protests at @IndianaUniv against the university's financial ties with @Israel, conduct of IU administrators, and partnership with @NAVSEACrane. 23 protesters were arrested this weekend, including students. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/EMGf60kR7W
— Ethan Sandweiss (@the_real_sand) April 29, 2024
Sunday, April 28
8:30 p.m.
IU President Pamela Whitten and Provost Rahul Shrivastav sent an update out explaining the university's decisions and how they plan to move forward.
The update says Shrivastav met with student leaders from Union Board and IU Student Government, as well as the President-Elect of the Bloomington Faculty Council, among others.
"With their insight, we are in the process of appointing a taskforce of student leaders and representatives of the Bloomington Faculty Council to review our event protocols and make recommendations to guide activities on campus, particularly in Dunn Meadow, moving forward."
Additionally, they said they are in the process of approving a formal request from a student organization to set up a temporary structure in Dunn Meadow.
"This request will be contingent on a set of mutually agreed parameters. We anticipate the request to be approved—with the possibility of renewal—in 48-hour increments."
The update confirms that students and faculty that were arrested will be able to complete their semester on campus by appealing their trespass warnings through IUPD.
The update also states the reasoning for the updated structure policy is due to "a troubling rise in antisemitism nationally and on college campuses... linked to this national encampment campaign."
2:30 p.m.
IU's Journalism unit sent an open letter to Whitten, Shrivastav and other administration today asking them to "halt further police action and surveillance, apologize to those arrested and reinstate their campus access, and restore the previous policy regarding Dunn Meadow demonstrations." The full letter reads as follows:
"The overwhelming majority of faculty in The Media School, with support from select emeriti and retired faculty, condemn the university administration’s repressive crackdown on protests in Dunn Meadow. Administrative response has grown increasingly militarized and threatening to student safety, with at least one Media School student among those who have been injured by police over the past several days.
"IU’s Board of Trustees in 1969 designated Dunn Meadow as a public forum, and since then it has been the site of countless vigorous demonstrations of public expression. Such demonstrations are a hallmark both of a dynamic intellectual environment and our treasured rights as citizens under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The recent protests were not the first to involve participants setting up tents and supplies in anticipation of a lengthy demonstration, but sadly, this is the first time in recent memory that the IU administration reacted with such brute force. The administration has crossed a red line by choosing an authoritarian stance that is antithetical to the mission of an institution of higher learning. In so doing, it has damaged the university’s credibility and moral center.
"The administration’s decision to call in riot troops to assault and arrest students and faculty who are protesting peacefully has shattered our university’s most cherished values, and authorizing armed police on campus rooftops has endangered us all. In choosing intimidation, the university has violated the rights of academic freedom and freedom of expression. And in summarily banning arrestees from campus for one year, it has ignored fundamental rights of due process.
"By justifying these decisions under the guise of a questionable last-minute policy change, the administration has also demonstrated contempt for our core principle of shared governance. Further, given the nature of the policy change, it bears the characteristics of a content-discrimination action, the kind that courts have for many years found unconstitutional. The university not only endangers the campus by over-reacting but also risks financial loss when arrested students and faculty inevitably file lawsuits.
"As a faculty expressly charged with teaching our students about these values in the pursuit of journalism and other expressions of public communication, we strongly dissent from these anti-democratic acts. How can we instill respect for core principles of democratic life when our own administration fails to live up to them? We call on the IU administration to halt further police action and surveillance, apologize to those arrested and reinstate their campus access, and restore the previous policy regarding Dunn Meadow demonstrations. We further call on the Bloomington Faculty Council to investigate these violations of faculty governance, academic freedom, freedom of expression and due process, and call for those responsible to be held accountable. It is critical that we expose the root of this shameful chapter in IU’s history."
12 p.m.
Additional state and local officials have released statements on the protests.
The Indiana Memorial Union Board released a statement Saturday calling for university administration to clarify what business the Indiana State Police conducted in its building.
"Students perceived that there was a sniper on the roof of the IMU. Students on our Board also watched as Indiana State Police walked through our office with guns. We were never initially consulted or notified about the State Police setting up on our roof."
The statement continues, "We've been unofficially told that the officer on our roof was holding a scope rather than a firearm... considering the photos circling social media, this casual explanation is far from compelling."
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson released an apology Sunday afternoon to clarify her original statements.
"In my message about the protests yesterday, I made a statement about the presence of outside groups," she said. "We had reports of Proud Boys and other involvement, and I had concern about the possibility of escalation beyond what our students and faculty present on campus were gathered to achieve."
Senator Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) said she is "deeply concerned with the arrests of students, staff and faculty for exercising their First Amendment rights."
"The widely reported change in policy regarding tents and structures by IU’s Administration on the eve of these protests—which was then used as justification to arrest peaceful protestors and ban them from campus property for a year—is incredibly disturbing," she said. "Free speech is only protected for all when there are clear and consistent rules enforced—not when rules are changed overnight and established processes are ignored."
A statement from the Indiana Senate Democrats also shared the same sentiments, calling for the university to deescalate the situation by asking police to leave room for peaceful protesting.
Saturday, April 27
8:00 p.m.
More state and local officials are weighing in on Indiana University's response to the Dunn Meadow arrests.
State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) released a statement calling IU's handling of peaceful protests on campus a "textbook violation of the First Amendment."
— Indiana House Democrats (@inhsedems) April 26, 2024
See his full statement here: https://t.co/bhDJJNORDQ
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson released this video Saturday afternoon.
"This was not a response that the Bloomington police were involved in. I support freedom of speech and the ability of our residents to express themselves in a peaceful manner. What’s happening at Dunn Meadow is part of a national movement on college campuses and has attracted some who are believed to have an outside agenda and indeed be from outside our community."
5:30 p.m.
The Indiana Graduate Workers Coalition said IU Divestment Coalition spokesperson Bryce Greene received a 5-year ban from campus. This is the longest ban given out so far. IGWC is calling his arrest "racist and targeted."
2:40 p.m.
IUPD confirmed 23 people were arrested for charges ranging from criminal trespass to resisting law enforcement.
2 p.m.
Protesters are re-routing to the Monroe County Jail as well as back to Dunn Meadow.
With maybe 75 protesters marching from the field house back to Dunn Meadow @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/XZK9YKNcGd
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 27, 2024
1:30 p.m.
Protesters are moving toward the Gladstein Fieldhouse, which is where those arrested were held Thursday.
1:20 p.m.
IU Divestment Coalition estimates more than 20 people were arrested. Police appear to be backing off now that they have cleared out most of the supplies.
“Free, Free Palestine” and “pigs go home” chanted as police back up, seem to be leaving the meadow at @IUBloomington. pic.twitter.com/MVDR93KBS0
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 27, 2024
12:40 p.m.
Some tents were taken down with ISP warnings. Around 12:45 all tents were removed. Police have begun detaining protesters, including IU Divestment Coalition spokesperson Bryce Greene, who was also detained Thursday. Around 12:50 police began seizing tents and supplies.
Dunn Meadow @IUBloomington pic.twitter.com/cRq8IBN1UJ
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 27, 2024
Stand-off. Some maybe 5 people arrested now. @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/IrTYyBDfMv
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 27, 2024
Police brought out the trash bags while protesters continue to chant pic.twitter.com/8BH8MM9jqz
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 27, 2024
12:30 p.m.
Indiana State Police in full gear have returned to Dunn Meadow. They are saying they will clear the tents.
9 a.m.
First sunrise over Bloomington's (rebuilt) Gaza solidarity encampment. Many more tents went up overnight. Indiana University police surrounded the camp early this morning but didn't otherwise interfere. Protesters say they'll remain on campus until IU divests from Israel. pic.twitter.com/fUIfrym0zg
— George Hale (@georgehale) April 27, 2024
Friday, April 26
6:30 p.m.
Protesters in Bloomington are forming a barrier to protect their Gaza solidarity encampment after Indiana University police started gathering across the street moments ago. A helicopter just showed up above us, too pic.twitter.com/zJtZrIMBBt
— George Hale (@georgehale) April 26, 2024
5 p.m.
No arrests have been made today, IUPD confirmed.
Chris Daley, executive director of Indiana ACLU, spoke with WTIU's George Hale.
"Our college campuses are obviously the heart and soul of free speech in our country, and none of the actions by the university or the Indiana State Police seem to be aligned with our free speech principles in this country," he said.
4:30 p.m.
ISP and protesters gather near Franklin Hall. Protesters are returning to Dunn Meadow.
HEAVY state police presence behind Franklin Hall @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/3yhTNqHsHO
— Cali Lichter (@CaliLichter) April 26, 2024
4 p.m.
Protesters are moving over to Franklin Hall.
Indiana University spokesperson Mark Bode sent the following statement to the WFIU/WTIU newsroom regarding the trespass bans:
"We encourage affected faculty and students to engage in the appeals process by contacting IUPD. Trespass ban notices will be suspended during the appeals process in nearly all cases. This will allow these students and faculty to complete the semester."
3:30 p.m.
Sgt. Kevin Getz with Indiana State Police said as of 3:35 p.m. there have been no arrests associated with the Dunn Meadow event. He also confirmed that there were personnel on the roof of the Indiana Memorial Union, but declined to provide additional information.
Only two tents in the meadow. Very little police presence @WFIUWTIUNews pic.twitter.com/ScH6I5xJGv
— Cali Lichter (@CaliLichter) April 26, 2024
2 p.m.
Indiana State Police are starting to enter campus. Demonstrators have locked arms in a protective circle.
Protesters have started to form a circle around several tents. They’re saying they will “hold their ground.” pic.twitter.com/tmaaCu9MHL
— Lucas González (@fez_irl) April 26, 2024
1 p.m.
WTIU's higher education reporter Aubrey Wright spoke with protesters. They believe police will show up during the group's Jummah prayer.
A Jummah prayer will take place in about an hour. That’s when protesters believe police will show up. pic.twitter.com/3qJd2u8I1Z
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 26, 2024
12:30 p.m.
On WFIU's Noon Edition, FIRE attorney Josh Bleisch says there was no practical way for students to comply with IU's new policy to pre-approve tents in Dunn Meadow, since the policy was changed so soon before protests.
A few more tents up. No police in sight right now.
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 26, 2024
To me, organizers seem more collected and prepared today than yesterday. pic.twitter.com/KVwwjT7nPu
12 p.m.
IUPD Public Information Officer Hannah Skibba said all 34 people who were arrested in Dunn Meadow yesterday received a 1-year trespass warning, meaning they are not allowed on any IU property. Those who do not comply could be arrested for criminal trespass.
IUPD is passing out fliers to protesters with the same information as yesterday.
Back at Dunn Meadow for @WFIUWTIUNews
— aubrey wright (@aubreymwright) April 26, 2024
5 tents up again so far, and more supplies on the way. Police made their first round through the group passing out flyers with IU’s new policy. Maybe 75+ people here. pic.twitter.com/WOMwqxIdEM
Today on Noon Edition, we are discussing campus protests and the first amendment. Listen live here.
11:30 a.m.
One tent has been set up in Dunn Meadow so far this morning as faculty join protesters in the second day of protests against Indiana University's involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
Protesters have started up a chant and set up a tent at Dunn Meadow for the second day of protests at IU. The group is pressuring the university to divest from Israel and plans to continue protests until their demands are met. pic.twitter.com/3ikVhI0zaA
— WFIU/WTIU News (@WFIUWTIUNews) April 26, 2024
11 a.m.
Some faculty say they plan to boycott graduation, and may not finish grading assignments. Faculty is moving to Dunn Meadow where they will join the IU Divestment Coalition.
IU faculty are moving over to Dunn Meadow, where they will join IU Divestment Coalition in protest. Some faculty are calling for graduation boycotts and may not finish grading assignments or submit final grades. pic.twitter.com/1pZChX2jhN
— WFIU/WTIU News (@WFIUWTIUNews) April 26, 2024
10:30 a.m.
Indiana University faculty spoke outside Bryan Hall. One speaker, Ben Robinson, spoke from across the street because he was banned from campus yesterday following his arrest.
IU faculty are gathered near Sample Gates this morning to speak on Thursday's protests. pic.twitter.com/8QTC9Mrr3L
— WFIU/WTIU News (@WFIUWTIUNews) April 26, 2024
9 a.m.
Today is the second day of protests on IU's campus.
Note: Indiana Public Media began publishing live updates on the second day of protests. For day one coverage, click here.
Protestors set up over a dozen tents around 11 a.m. Thursday.
A change in policy by an ad hoc committee created by IU administration Wednesday updated assembly policy to only allow pre-approved structures like tents. The policy also includes that posters may be removed.
IU president Pamela Whitten said in a letter to faculty Thursday night “the change was posted online and at Dunn Meadow (Thursday) morning, and participants were told repeatedly that they were free to stay and protest, but that any tent would need to be dismantled.”
IU has allowed temporary structures without prior approval in Dunn Meadow since 1969.
Thirty-three people were arrested and transported to the Monroe County Jail on an IU bus, according to the IU Police Department.
Today, there will be continued protests in Dunn Meadow at 11, and faculty protests at 10 at Bryan Hall.
