UPenn issues new rules on protests that bans encampments after pro-Palestine protests

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) issued new temporary rules on Thursday, when it comes to protesting on the campus, which included a ban on encampments.

The new rules comes after the university arrested more than 30 pro-Palestine protesters that invaded its campus earlier this year. The protests were part of a larger surge in anti-Israel demonstrations at college campuses nationwide, which included overnight encampments.

The policies, which will be reviewed by a faculty committee during the school year, prohibits the encampments “in any University location, regardless of space (indoor or outdoor)," the university said in its updated guidelines. "Unauthorized overnight activities will be considered trespassing and addressed.” 

The university also banned projections on buildings and the use of permanent substances on the college's surfaces. Student protesters are allowed to protest speakers on the campus, but must still allow them to share their viewpoints, according to NewsMax.

“The University aims to foster open and rigorous debate, to protect academic freedom and free speech, and to promote constructive discussion, even on the most challenging, sensitive, and controversial issues," the school said in its mandates. "Indeed, central to our mission is providing a platform upon which various viewpoints are expressed and encouraged."

UPenn public safety officers are also still allowed to demand to see a protester's school ID, but must be clear about the reason for the request, including if it's for a disciplinary purpose, according to the university.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.