LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – In a letter to students, the president of University of Nevada, Las Vegas said an arrest was made on the Maryland Parkway campus Thursday night.
“As you have seen in the national news, university campuses around the country are dealing with protests concerning the war in Israel and Gaza. We know that this can be a highly emotional issue for some,” UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield said. “The UNLV administration will continue to have ongoing dialogue with faculty and student groups on our campus to hear their issues and concerns.”
The president said in an email to the campus community that a California woman was arrested and charged with misdemeanor vandalism for reportedly defacing UNLV property. The incident happened Wednesday around 7 p.m.
“The disruption of learning, protest encampments, occupation of buildings, and destruction of property that we have seen at other campuses goes against UNLV’s values and policies and we do not consider it free speech,” he said.
According to the letter, the woman wrote “Free Palestine” on a “UNLV Strong” sign in Pida Plaza. Whitfield said she is trespassed from campuses for two years, meaning she would not be allowed on UNLV property for that period of time.
The sign is said to be removed and will be replaced before commencement.
“The incident serves as a reminder that UNLV’s policy on Speech and Advocacy and use of outdoor areas clearly outline the expectations we have for our university community and the community at-large relative to supporting and protecting free speech,” he said. “Violations of these policies will not be tolerated.”
The rest of the email could be read here:
FOX5 has previously reported on the ongoing protests happening at UNLV.
A post from UNLV’s Student For Justice in Palestine, which organized the rally, states, “We DEMAND that our university DISCLOSES and DIVESTS!”
Counter-protesters could be seen holding signs, saying, “Israel = Peace, Hamas = Violence,” and “Educate, Don’t Indoctrinate!”
FOX5 has reached out to University Police Services for any additional information on this incident.
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