Law enforcement officials arrested 23 individuals on Saturday following the formation of an encampment at Indiana University Bloomington during ongoing protests. The university's police department reported that a group had set up tents and canopies on Friday night with the intention to occupy the university space indefinitely, which violated school policy regarding temporary or permanent structures.
At around noon ET on Saturday, officers from the Indiana University Police Department and Indiana State Police approached the encampment in the outdoor Dunn Meadow area of the school. Demonstrators were given six verbal warnings to remove the structures, and those who did not comply were detained within the hour.
The 23 individuals were taken to the Monroe County Justice Center on charges ranging from criminal trespass to resisting law enforcement. It was noted that the affiliation of those arrested with the university had not been confirmed by the police.
The university police department emphasized its support for peaceful protests that adhere to university policy. In a statement on Saturday, the university expressed its encouragement and respect for free speech, including the right to peacefully protest and demonstrate. However, students, faculty, staff, and visitors are expected to comply with school policy and state law.
