Pro-Palestine demonstrators take ‘time to breathe,’ leave UT campus early on day four

People began gathering on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus for the fourth consecutive day May 4, roughly 12 hours after walking away with what demonstrators considered a "win" in their call for UT to divest from its assets tied to Israel amid the ongoing war with Hamas.

The victory: Remaining together on campus past a 10 p.m. deadline that bans "camping" on state property until 7 a.m. the following day.

Participants packed up to leave much earlier May 4 than they had the night before.

Around 8:20, Hasan Atatrah addressed the group, encouraging them to rest and leave in groups. “I urge us to get a little time to breathe, and make sure that when we return, whether it’s tomorrow or the next day, we can come as our full selves,” Atatrah said.

After packing up, the group clapped and danced to drums. They began chanting, “Let them live. Let them learn. Let them dream. Change the world.”

By just before 9 p.m., all the demonstrators had left.

University displays rules for demonstrators

Just before 4:30 p.m. May 4, UT posted guidelines around the Student Union lawn where demonstrators have been gathering. The sandwich board signs outlined what's allowed during demonstrations and what's not, the latter category including overnight camping and even "making preparations to sleep," according to state law.

The law goes so far as to say making preparations includes "laying down a sleeping bag, blanket, or other material used for bedding" at any time of the day.

UT cites felony law to discourage 'camping' on Knoxville campus

Just after noon May 4, an Instagram post by the People's School for Gaza said people were beginning to meet at the Student Union. The group had grown by 3 p.m. to approximately 50 people, who were once again gathering under the label of a "spontaneous study session."

This language has been used by demonstrators wanting to maintain a presence on campus, as university officials have repeatedly reminded them of the state camping law, which could result in a felony charge.

The May 3 demonstration, made up of students and community members, moved to public sidewalks as university officials arrived near the Student Union just before 10 p.m. with a final warning about the deadline. It wasn't until about 11:20 p.m. that the group mostly left those sidewalks and headed home.

Early warning led to arrests, citations on Day 2 of demonstrations

Pro-Palestine groups have gathered on campus daily since May 1 to advocate for the university to divest from its assets tied to Israel. On the night of May 2, nine people were arrested, issued citations and released.

Seven of them were students, who could face consequences from the university.

Demonstrators were given a 9 p.m. deadline to move off the College of Law lawn that night − one hour before the consequence for gathering turned from citation to felony.

UT among multiple colleges experiencing pro-Palestine demonstrations

Campuses across the country have been hot spots this past week in particular for clashes between police and demonstrators, many of whom have supported Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Hamas launched a surprise attack from Gaza on Oct 7, 2023. The attackers killed more than 1,100 people, most of them civilians, and took hostage about 205 people. Some people targeted in the attacks have accused Hamas fighters of raping and sexually assaulting some Israelis.

Israel launched a massive counterattack that has claimed the lives of more than 34,500 Palestinians, the Gaza Health Ministry told Reuters on April 30. Palestinian health officials say two-thirds of those killed were women and children.

Counter-protesters across the street

By 6 p.m., a few counter-protesters were on the sidewalk across Cumberland Avenue from the Student Union, demonstrating in support of Israel.

Michelle Werner, 39, said she saw the protests in the news and found them offensive as an American Jew. Werner - who was visiting Knoxville from Illinois - said her main mission was to raise awareness for Israeli hostages.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Fourth day of Pro-Palestine demonstrations at University of Tennessee