Indictments Follow Pro-Palestinian Protest at UTD
RICHARDSON, Texas – A significant legal development has emerged from the pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) that occurred in May of last year, with a Collin County grand jury indicting over a dozen individuals involved.
Details of the Indictments
The grand jury determined charges against 14 out of the 21 protesters arrested during the demonstration, which had escalated into a sizable encampment featuring tents, tarps, wooden structures, and various materials blocking pedestrian access on the university campus.
As a result, UTD administration requested the protesters to dismantle these structures. When several demonstrators refused and instead interlocked arms, they were taken into custody on the grounds of criminal trespassing.
In reviewing the case, the grand jury ultimately issued charges for obstruction of a passageway, classified as a Class B misdemeanor. It is noteworthy that all charges were dropped against seven individuals involved in the protest.
Official Statements
District Attorney Greg Willis commented on the situation, emphasizing the distinction between lawful protest activities and unlawful disruptions. He stated, “Free speech is protected. Blocking access and refusing lawful commands is not. These charges reflect that a clear line exists between protest and unlawful disruption.”
Unresolved Questions
Despite the indictments, it remains unclear why some charges were dismissed, as the District Attorney’s office has not provided details concerning the specifics of these decisions.