The president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced on Friday that 10 individuals were taken into custody during the removal of an anti-Israel encampment on the campus.
President Sally Kornbluth stated that the encampment on Kresge lawn was cleared early in the morning at her direction. Those present were given four warnings to depart or face arrest, with 10 individuals choosing to remain and subsequently being peacefully escorted off campus by MIT police officers for booking.
Kornbluth highlighted that the encampment had become a symbol for both sides in the war in Gaza. She explained that for supporters of the pro-Palestinian cause, it represented a moral commitment due to the suffering in Gaza. On the other hand, for the pro-Israel side, the encampment was seen as unwelcoming to those who believe in Israel's right to exist.
The president emphasized that recent escalations and outside threats from various groups had reached a tipping point, leading to an increasingly untenable situation on campus. Kornbluth expressed concerns about the lack of peace and the disruption caused to the community, ultimately leading to the decision to remove the encampment.
