Starting at 3 p.m. today, some students from the University of Auckland have occupied a corner of the campus - the student event that has recently "swept the United States" has finally arrived in New Zealand.
Apparently, the school and the police were informed of the incident in advance and had not intervened as of press time.
01
Aoda issued a warning in advance that "camping is not supported"
Yesterday, the University of Auckland posted a notice on its official website reminding that there are special circumstances today, May 1.
In recent months, the conflict in Gaza has sparked widespread protests in cities around the world, "most recently in the form of encampments on university campuses," the notice said.
The University said it was aware of students from the university who were planning to set up camp at the University of Auckland on Wednesday afternoon, May 1.
While they fully support the right of students and staff to speak out peacefully, "however, we also remind staff and students that we expect civilized and respectful dialogue on campus, as outlined in the University of Auckland's Code of Conduct." ”
This "but" basically clarifies the official position of the University.
The university said it has "a primary obligation to protect the health and safety of the university community."
"After careful consideration, and with reference to the advice of the New Zealand Police, we have decided to work constructively with the students to facilitate this peaceful event on campus, but do not support the establishment of overnight camps on campus," the notice said. ”
The University of Auckland said it was a "compromise" that would "allow university campuses not to pose significant risks by setting up such camps".
"In this era of heightened geopolitical tensions, we should once again remind ourselves that our values bind us together and look out for each other," the notice said. ”
02
Students are still camped on the campus of the University
Still, this afternoon, students at the University of Auckland set up tents on campus.
It's unclear how much time they're going to take over campus, but it looks like there are students preparing to spend the night tonight.
Some passers-by can't help but sigh that these New Zealand children learn so quickly from the United States.
据了解，这次抗议活动的幕后组织是奥克兰大学挺巴学生正义联盟（University of Auckland Student Justice for Palestine）。
On its social media, the group said it hoped the event would be "an unforgettable showcase of strength, support and solidarity."
As many as hundreds of supporters and passers-by gathered at the scene, and some were speaking with microphones.
One speaker said: "We will not be silent, we will not bow to the government. Today, we speak out in unity, and tomorrow, we celebrate Palestinian freedom. ”
At the time of writing, there were about five tents erected on the concrete floor and sidewalk.
New Zealand police said they would monitor the event.
Today, Dawn Freshwater, vice-chancellor of the University of Auckland, once again admonishes the participating faculty and students to be civil.
The university has arranged its own security personnel, who will be on duty tonight.
A police spokesman said they had been in contact with the organizers and the university.
"We recognise that the general public also has the right to conduct lawful activities and, as always, the role of the police is to uphold the law," the spokesperson said. ”
At press time, several university security personnel were walking through the crowd, but no uniformed police officers appeared to be found.
The attitude of the police is interesting because in the United States, the police have already taken action at some universities.
03
This time again, it started in the United States
The event apparently started in the United States as well, where students at Columbia University have ignited a nationwide movement in recent days.
On April 18, students at Columbia University in New York held a pro-Palestinian event and occupied the campus, and hundreds of Palestinian supporters were arrested.
Subsequently, students from well-known universities, including Harvard and Yale, joined in calling for a permanent ceasefire and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
They also demanded that the university cut ties with Israeli arms suppliers and other businesses profiting from the Middle East conflict, and that dismissals and other disciplinary actions against students and faculty involved in the activities be revoked.
House Speaker Johnson went to Columbia University on the 24th and spoke on the steps of the library. He labeled the protesting students "anti-Semitic," describing them as "mobs," "radicals," and "instigators."
Johnson said the National Guard would be dispatched if necessary if the chaos could not be contained quickly.
Johnson's speech was difficult to hear because he spoke into the media's microphone without using a loudspeaker, and because protesting students were constantly heckling and booing.
Earlier today (local time evening), hundreds of New York police officers were dispatched to disperse the crowd that occupied the academic building of Columbia University.
About 1,000 students have reportedly been arrested in many parts of the country.
Since the outbreak of this Middle East conflict, American college campuses have been a flashpoint for protests.
Over the past 10 days, the United States has erupted in the most intense and widespread protests in the past six months.
When the first camp at Columbia University was cleared, tensions were ignited, and clashes and arrests ensued elsewhere.
The situation is still developing......
How will the situation evolve on New Zealand's side,
Today is the first day,
Let's stay tuned~~