Green Party presidential hopeful Jill Stein was one of 100 people taken into custody during a weekend demonstration at Washington University in St. Louis. The 73-year-old joined student activists calling for the school to sever ties with companies such as Boeing that protesters say are fueling violence in Gaza. Stein’s arrest came alongside two of her senior campaign officials.
Universities across the country are wrestling with the challenge of safeguarding free speech while ensuring campus security as protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict intensify. Washington University indicated the demonstrations had reached a level of “causing a significant disruption,” necessitating intervention.
The school stated the gathering breached policies by erecting a campsite on university property. “We are firmly committed to free expression and allow ample opportunity for voices to be heard on our campus,” the university declared, emphasizing it would promptly implement its guidelines to shield students and staff.
Stein campaign spokesperson Jason Call affirmed their backing of the student protesters in light of the arrest. “The Stein campaign supports the demands of the students and their peaceful protest and assembly on campus. Student protest for peace and civil liberties has always represented the best part of our collective moral conscience.”
Stein’s detainment underscores a worrisome trend of external provocateurs unconnected to the campus community arriving to stir unrest and attract attention for political objectives.
This pattern is becoming progressively prevalent in the nationwide protests.
As the election season progresses, the U.S. must uphold the First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly while acknowledging that universities have a duty to maintain a secure environment for learning and working. Defending free expression should not entail condoning violence or intimidation on campus.
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein said she was arrested while protesting the Israel-Hamas war on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis. https://t.co/LmZDKwAWgq
— The Hill (@thehill) April 28, 2024
