Achinthya Sivalingan, an Indian-origin student at Princeton University, was arrested alongside another student, Hassan Sayed, for participating in pro-Palestine protests on campus. The demonstration involved setting up tents in a university courtyard, leading to trespassing charges and immediate campus barring for the arrested student. While Ms. Sivalingan is pursuing a Masters in Public Affairs in International Development, Mr. Sayed is a PhD candidate at the university.
University spokespersons confirmed that the students faced disciplinary action for violating campus policies. Despite warnings from the Department of Public Safety, the protest continued, resulting in arrests. However, the university clarified that the arrests were made peacefully, without any use of force.
The incident is part of a broader trend of pro-Palestine demonstrations at top US universities, with students advocating for divestment from companies profiting from the Gaza conflict and calling for an immediate ceasefire. The protests have spread from Columbia University in New York to campuses nationwide, reflecting growing solidarity with Palestinians affected by the Israeli military operation.
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As the debate on Palestine solidarity intensifies, Princeton University grapples with the aftermath of the arrests and navigates student activism within its campus policies.