Facts about the encampment on Northeastern University’s Boston campus
The encampment was an unauthorized occupation of university space. Protesters not affiliated with Northeastern were trespassing on private property. Northeastern students involved in the protest were in violation of longstanding university policy on demonstrations. The policy is included in the Code of Student Conduct.
Numerous attempts by our Student Life staff to engage directly with students were repeatedly rejected.
The decision to disperse the encampment was made 24 hours in advance of Saturday morning’s action by NUPD and its law enforcement partners. Over the course of two days, a steadily growing number of protesters were not affiliated with the university. The Northeastern University Police Department concluded that the protest would soon present a threat to the safety of all involved.
Protesters were given several advance notices that the encampment would be dismantled, and they were offered multiple opportunities to leave and face no legal consequences. Many of the protesters took this opportunity.
Those who refused to leave were detained by police. Students who produced a valid Northeastern ID before arrest were released and will face disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Code Student of Conduct, not legal action. Those not affiliated with Northeastern were arrested.
According to the official police report, 98 individuals were arrested, including 29 Northeastern students and 6 Northeastern faculty and staff. The balance, 63 individuals, are not affiliated with Northeastern.