Sally Reed
The sounds of chants and marching feet once again echoed across the University of Texas at Austin campus on Thursday as students organized a second round of protests in the wake of Wednesday’s tense face-off with police. This time, the gathering was far less confrontational, but tensions still ran high in the aftermath of the previous day’s crackdowns and arrests.
As students reiterated demands for the university to cut ties with Israel and for the resignation of UT President Jay Hartzell, faculty members took aim at the administration’s response, with UT’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors announcing plans to hold a vote of no confidence in Hartzell.
Faculty Petition to Hold No-Confidence Vote in UT President
In a stunning turn of events following Wednesday’s protest crackdown, UT-Austin’s faculty chapter of the American Association of University Professors announced plans to hold a vote of no confidence in President Jay Hartzell.
The faculty group passed around a petition at Thursday’s rally calling on professors to sign in support of the vote.
A Widening Rift Between University Leadership and Professors
The faculty backlash signals a widening rift between university leadership and those who actually teach students.
Professors argue that Hartzell severely mishandled the protest by authorizing an overly aggressive police response for what had been a peaceful demonstration. The mass arrests and use of force, they say, violated students’ right to free speech and assembly.
Recap of Palestinian Protest and Police Crackdown
The protest began peacefully on Wednesday, with student demonstrators calling on UT-Austin to cut ties with companies that profit from Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
However, tensions quickly rose as authorities declared the gathering an “unlawful assembly” and started making arrests.
Police Arrests Following Protests
In total, 57 people were detained by police, including one journalist reporting on the events. The harsh crackdown sparked immediate backlash from faculty and students, who argued the response was heavy-handed given the non-violent nature of the protest.
Footage of the police response went viral, showing officers on horseback herding students and using their mounts to force people onto sidewalks.
Republican Leaders Accused Protestors of Being Terrorist Supporters
Republican leaders supported the police, accusing protesters of supporting terrorist groups. However, University President Jay Hartzell’s defense of the response was met with calls for his resignation.
Faculty groups announced plans to hold a vote of no confidence in his leadership.
Faculty Condemnation of University’s Protest Response
Faculty groups were quick to condemn UT-Austin’s crackdown on Wednesday’s protest. Members of the school’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors said they planned to hold a vote of no confidence in President Jay Hartzell over his handling of the event.
They accused Hartzell of escalating tensions and using an overly aggressive police response against what had been a peaceful demonstration.
Defense of Free Speech
Professors maintained that even if the protest broke some campus rules, that did not justify such a crackdown. They said universities should uphold principles of free expression, not punish those who voice unpopular opinions.
Some faculty warned that harsh discipline of student activists could instill fear in others and stifle debate. They argued that campus leaders should engage in open dialogue, not make shows of force.
Students Call for Divestment and President’s Resignation
At Thursday’s rally, student organizers reiterated calls for the university to divest from companies that profit from Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
They also demanded the resignation of President Hartzell, saying his defense of the police crackdown showed he does not stand with students fighting for human rights.
Divestment from Weapon Manufacturers
Students argue that UT-Austin should not invest in or accept donations from companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing that supply weapons to Israel.
Divestment campaigns have become a popular tactic for activists to put financial pressure on companies and governments seen as perpetuating human rights abuses.
Continued Fallout From Protest as New Rally Held
The protest at UT-Austin has continued to generate controversy, with faculty and students speaking out against the administration’s heavy-handed response.
On Thursday morning, faculty held another rally where they announced plans to hold a vote of no confidence in President Jay Hartzell over how he handled the situation.
Students Continue To Push For Tie Cuts With Israel
Students at the rally repeated their calls for the university to cut ties with companies linked to Israel and for Hartzell to resign.
They also demanded amnesty for the 57 protesters arrested at Wednesday’s demonstration.
An Escalated Non-Violent Protest
The protesters had gathered for a student walkout to call on UT-Austin to divest from weapon manufacturers and companies involved with Israel. Police ordered the demonstrators to leave and started arresting people for criminal trespassing.
The protesters then regrouped, only to be surrounded by police officers and state troopers. Mounted police used their horses to push students onto sidewalks.
Widespread Unease Amongst Faculty
The vote of no confidence in President Hartzell reflects widespread unease among faculty regarding his response to the demonstration and perceived failure to protect freedom of speech for students.
If passed, the no-confidence vote would not directly impact Hartzell’s position but would send a strong symbolic message of disapproval from the academic staff.
A Need For a More Peaceful Address System
The protest and calls for divestment have sparked a heated debate at the university, with both supporters and opponents passionately making their voices heard.
While the situation remains tumultuous, all sides would be well served by focusing on constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and pragmatic solutions that balance the complex considerations at stake.
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