Harvard University has taken measures to close Harvard Yard, a central area on its campus, and restrict access to the outside area until Friday. This decision comes in response to anti-Israel protesters occupying open spaces on other Ivy League campuses.
Signs posted on the gates of Harvard Yard on Sunday indicated that the area was off-limits to individuals without a Harvard ID. The signs also stated that unauthorized structures, such as tents and tables, were not allowed without prior permission. The university has prohibited blocking pedestrian pathways and access to building entrances, with students facing disciplinary action for violating these rules.
Following a gathering of over 200 anti-Israel protesters in Harvard Yard on Friday, where they called for the university to divest from Israeli companies and investments in the West Bank, the university implemented these restrictions.
Efforts to reach out to Harvard University for comment have not yet yielded a response. The closure of Harvard Yard underscores the university's commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the safety and security of its campus community.