Governor Shapiro calls on Penn to disband encampment; 6 students placed on temporary leave
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- GET LATEST HERE: Philadelphia police order protesters at Penn encampment to disband as officers move in
Governor Josh Shapiro on Thursday called on the University of Pennsylvania to disband a pro-Palestinian encampment that has spent two weeks on the Ivy League campus in Philadelphia.
"It is past time for the university to act, to address this, to disband the encampment and to restore order and safety on campus," Gov. Shapiro said.
While giving remarks during an event in Westmoreland County, Gov. Shapiro called the situation at Penn "unstable" and "unacceptable."
"Over the last 24 hours at the University of Pennsylvania, the situation has gotten even more unstable and out of control, more rules have been violated," said Shapiro. "All students should feel safe when they're on campus. All students have a legal right to feel safe on campus, and the University of Pennsylvania has an obligation to their safety. It is past time for the university to act, to address this to disband the encampment and to restore order and safety on campus."
The governor's statements came as six student protesters were placed on mandatory temporary leaves of absence, according to Penn.
The students spoke with Action News right after they found out and said at least one of them will not be able to attend graduation. Another is an international student from the Philippines who said she's now locked out of her dorm and that their campus IDs no longer work.
They're calling the lockout illegal under municipal law.
"I've been evicted from my student housing so my Penn card no longer works to get me in the building. A few community members offered to house me in the meantime, but we'll continue to be here," said student protester Eliana Atienza.
"I believe that the character we demonstrate within this encampment will always be more valuable to me and more worthwhile than the risks that we face in standing up for those values," added fellow student protester Emma Herdon.
The six who are currently restricted from campus facilities and events say they only have access to health care facilities on campus.
"This is not a permanent process but it is indicative of the harshness and cruelty of the university's demands," said student protester Sonya Stacia.
"These actions are a result of the University's continuing response to the unauthorized encampment on College Green," a statement from the university said.
It's been 15 days since protesters started gathering on the campus.
The encampment swelled as activity by protesters picked up overnight into Thursday morning.
"Universities need work with their own police departments or within the framework of their local police departments in order to make sure students are safe on campus," Gov. Shapiro said.
Penn police have maintained a presence there, as have Philadelphia police following Penn's request to the city for resources.
Police vans arrived Wednesday night and were stationed near the quad.
The statue of Ben Franklin was, once again, covered and defaced, but by Thursday morning crews were able to clean up the statue.
Protestors say negotiations with the school broke down this week, as they continue to call for the university to disclose its investments and cut ties with businesses that support Israel.
However, Penn's interim president said earlier this week the university already met with protesters twice and continues to propose additional meetings.
He says the encampment should end and continues to say it is in violation of university policies, disrupting campus operations and events.
Penn has announced increased security measures for commencement later this month as a pro-Palestinian encampment continues.
Penn officials say there will be a "high level of security" at all Franklin Field gates and on the field inside the stadium for the May 20 graduation ceremony.
