During and after the arrests in the ‘Popular University Encampment’ at Emerson College on Thursday, protesters demonstrated the strength of their community and commitment to the cause in the face of the police force.
Boston Police Department and Massachusetts State Police officers entered the encampment set up in the 2 Boylston Place alley in riot gear from both Boylston Street and the Massachusetts Transportation Building, dismantling and clearing the space and arresting 108 student protesters.
The SJP occupation of the alleyway, which had started nearly 80 hours prior as a show of solidarity with the over 100 students of Columbia University who were arrested Friday for involvement in their own Pro-Palestine encampment, ended with the arrests of over 100 students and reports of violent treatment of those arrested.
Protesters who were arrested on the scene have reported beatings with batons, being dragged across the ground, being kicked on the ground by officers, and having zip ties tied so tight that they caused flesh wounds, amongst other things. Head injuries, wrist injuries, and black eyes were also witnessed by Beacon staff.
The strength of the student community was also seen. Before police stormed the alley, residents of the 2B residence hall who were witnessing the events unfold communicated with protesters warning of tear gas. Other communications included how many police officers were in different buildings. During arrests, protesters in the alley embraced friends as they were surrounded by police, and others linked arms and formed human barricades.
Emerson student protesters who weren’t arrested and other spectators crowd-funded bail money, which was $40 a person, according to an arrested student who wished to stay anonymous. The price of bail for non-Emerson Community members has not been disclosed at this time.