A municipal court judge has declined to dismiss defiant trespassing charges against 15 pro-Palestinian protestors arrested last spring at demonstrations at Princeton University.
The Sept. 10 ruling by Judge John McCarthy III means the case could move forward to trial. Defiant trespass in New Jersey is considered a petty disorderly persons offense punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Thirteen demonstrators were arrested on April 29 for occupying Clio Hall and two were arrested April 25 during a sit-in McCosh Courtyard.
Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun had previously said on April 30 that the university would not ask any prosecution be dropped because of “the egregious nature of their conduct,” adding the demonstrators would likely “face serious criminal charges.”Princeton, like some other universities, has created “protest and free expression” policies to deal with the demonstrations that have rocked many campuses since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and the resulting war in Gaza.
“The University may restrict expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the University,” according to the guidelines posted on the university’s website.
Chabad of Princeton University Director Rabbi Eitan Webb said he believed the university is “trying to do the best they can” and that University President Christopher Eisgruber is a “good guy” who has supported the Jewfish community. Eisgruber had previously issued a statement in the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7 condemning the attack.
“We are hoping for the best,” said Rabbi Webb about the current school year.
Max Meyer is president of Tigers for Israel, a university student advocacy group that organizes programs and events to educate and expose the campus to Israel’s politics, history and culture.
He said while Jewish students at the Ivy League school weren’t prevented from attending class or activities last year and the level of harassment was not as prevalent as what students had encountered at some other universities, the year was not without its challenges.
“When you have people flying Hezbollah flags and refusing to comment on the hostages or attacks on Israel, and even more concerning, supporting Hamas, I could argue that is a form of harassment,” he said. “When they’re occupying a central part of the campus and arguing for what is essentially the genocide of the Jewish people, that is a form of harassment.”
Meyer, a sophomore political science student from Manhattan, said the campus is quieter so far this year. While previously many in his group were focused on supporting Israel and bringing home the hostages, this year the group is focused on “uniting people behind our organization” by bringing in speakers and engaging in activism and rallies “to ensure our voices are heard on this campus and beyond.”
While Meyer was encouraged by the additions to the code of conduct, he said its effectiveness will be dependent on how strictly it is enforced.
“We are approaching this year with our eyes wide open and whatever issues arise we will be there to defend the Jewish people and state of Israel,” he noted.
The university’s policy specifically states that before, during or after a program the event may not be interrupted; entrances and exits may not be blocked; vehicle or pedestrian traffic can’t be impeded and those attending can’t be prevented from entering or leaving a program; lights or imagery can’t be projected on university buildings or grounds without prior approval; camping in tents, vehicles or other structures or leaving unattended belongings overnight is prohibited, and amplified sound, including bullhorns and musical instruments, in outdoor spaces is prohibited before 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Other restrictions include prohibiting the use of chalk and tape on university grounds and walkways; march routes must be discussed with the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate students. The university also is requiring that posters or notices of any kind be affixed only to bulletin boards in dormitory entryways, dining areas, academic and administration buildings and outdoor kiosks, lampposts and bulletin boards. They aren’t permitted on buildings, chain link fences, wood paneling, benches, sidewalks, roadways, or the natural landscape such as trees, shrubs or grass. It “strongly encourages” any posters and flyers to have contact information. If a complaint is filed about a poster not having the name of the sponsoring organization and a contact number, the university will remove it.
On Cannon Green, where much of last spring’s protest was centered, the university has placed new signs reading that space is reserved for officially sanctioned university events and may not be used for other organized activities without permission, although ”informal recreation” is permitted.
Incoming students were required to attend an “Academic Freedom and Free Expression” event where the new guidelines were addressed by Eisgruber.
“Free speech and peaceable assembly are basic requirements of Princeton University as a center for free inquiry and the search for knowledge and insight,” said the university. “These rights involve a concurrent obligation on the part of all members of the university, guests and visitors to maintain on the campus an atmosphere conducive to scholarly pursuits and to respect the rights of all individuals.”
Debra Rubin has had a long career in journalism writing for secular weekly and daily newspapers and Jewish publications. She most recently served as Middlesex/Monmouth bureau chief for the New Jersey Jewish News. She also worked with the media at several nonprofits, including serving as assistant public relations director of HIAS and assistant director of media relations at Yeshiva University.
