An incident at the University of Colorado Boulder this week has sparked controversy and an investigation by campus police after pro-Palestine protesters disrupted a classroom and were physically removed by two individuals. The incident, captured in edited video footage posted by student advocacy group Buffs 4 Palestine, shows two students being forcefully escorted out of the classroom.
According to CU Boulder officials, the disruption occurred during a class called “Designing for Defense,” where the protesters were voicing their opposition to the U.S. Department of Defense’s support of the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza. The university condemned the act of violence and classroom disruption, stating that such behavior violates state law and university policies.
The video footage shows individuals being forcibly removed from the classroom by two men, one of whom was identified as a mentor for the class but not an employee or student of the university. CU Boulder spokesperson Nicole Mueksch declined to confirm whether the instructor was involved in the removal of the protesters.
The incident comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians since October 2023. The war was triggered by Hamas-led militants attacking southern Israel, leading to casualties on both sides and ongoing hostilities.
In response to the incident, campus police are conducting an investigation and will pursue charges or other actions as necessary. Universities across Colorado and the U.S. have become battlegrounds for protests and clashes related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities of the issue.
As the investigation unfolds, CU Boulder officials are working to address the situation and ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. The university remains committed to upholding its values of respect, inclusivity, and academic freedom, while also recognizing the need to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.
