KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Students at the University of Tennessee continue to lead demonstrations on campus to bring awareness to Israel's continuous attacks on Gaza and pressure the university to divest from companies affiliated with Israel.
UT's Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, an on-campus organization dedicated to the Palestinian cause, held a vigil on Wednesday in memory of Palestinians who have been killed in the Gaza Strip. There, students were encouraged to sign a petition to urge university leaders to meet their divestment demands.
The Knoxville Police Department confirmed officers were on campus early Thursday morning to "support" the UT Police Department, but no one was arrested. The Knox County Sheriff's Office said UTPD Chief Sean Patterson asked for "transportation assistance if needed."
On Thursday, students were gathered on the College of Law's lawn. A sign from UT's Office of the Dean of Students was set up near the gathering and read:
"At UT Knoxville, we champion the principles of free expression, encouraging our student and campus community to openly voice their opinions, whether in support of or against various actions and viewpoints. By law, non-affiliated people may also visit certain parts of campus to express ideas that do or do not reflect institutional values.
We understand that these events may elicit a range of emotions and perspectives. We encourage respectful discourse and open dialogue."
Since Oct. 7, 2023, 34,356 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. About 70% of those killed are reported to be women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
This story is ongoing and we will update as we learn more.
