Governor Josh Shapiro praised the University of Pittsburgh for their handling of the protests related to the Israel-Gaza war. However, he condemned the actions of Penn University and urged them to dismantle the encampment.
During his speech in Hempfield Township near Pittsburgh, the governor emphasized the importance of ensuring student safety for university leaders. However, he did not address their responsibility in upholding the principles of free speech on campus.
According to Shapiro, it is the duty of every university to ensure the safety and protection of their students, as well as to uphold the principles of equality. He emphasizes that universities in Pennsylvania have a legal and moral obligation to fulfill this responsibility, and he has personally reminded university presidents of this obligation.
According to the governor, certain universities, like the University of Pittsburgh, have effectively managed the situation. However, he expressed his concern over Penn, stating that the situation is getting out of control.
During a press conference focused on investing in site development to attract major business expansion to the state, the governor made remarks about the growing encampment at Penn. The students had initially set up tents two weeks ago, and it has since expanded beyond its original size.
Six student organizers have been placed on mandatory leaves of absence by the administration. There has been intense debate among students regarding the reasons behind the protest and the actions the university should take in response to the encampment.
According to Shapiro, the leaders at the University of Pennsylvania have acknowledged that the protesters in the encampments are violating the university’s rules and, in some cases, the laws of Philadelphia. Despite attempts to negotiate and discuss the situation, the university has found these efforts to be ineffective.
According to his statement, the situation at the University of Pennsylvania has become even more unstable and out of control in the past 24 hours. He further mentioned that there have been numerous violations of rules and laws during this time.
The governor expressed his strong disapproval of these developments and urged colleges throughout Pennsylvania to collaborate with police departments in order to ensure the safety of students.
According to Shapiro, ensuring the safety of all students on campus is imperative. He emphasizes that every student has a legal entitlement to feel secure while at the University of Pennsylvania. Shapiro urges the university to take immediate action, dismantle the encampment, and restore order and safety on campus.
Penn witnessed the most enduring encampment among all the campuses in the state. In comparison, Pitt’s encampment only lasted for six days before it was disbanded, but it did lead to a protest march organized by the students. In addition to peaceful protests, there have also been incidents of vandalism, such as the targeting of a Jewish fraternity house, on other campuses.