Photos by Heather Diehl, Grace Richards, Jennifer Tran, Hannah Zinn, Abbey McKee and McKenzie Bulris.
Pro-Palestinian protesters began an encampment on Polk Place on Friday, April 26. They deconstructed their tents later that day to comply with University policy. They put the tents back up on Sunday, April 28, following a rally and march that gathered hundreds of demonstrators.
At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, UNC administrators warned the group to remove the tents by 6 a.m. or face possible suspension, expulsion or arrest. When they did not comply, thirty individuals were detained and six were arrested. All were later released. Police and UNC Facilities workers cleared Polk Place and put up metal barriers surrounding the grass.
UNC Students for Justice in Palestine hosted a vigil and march later that day. Some protesters pushed down the barriers, entering the grassy area, following the march. They then took down the American flag at the center of the Quad and raised the Palestinian flag in its place.
Soon after, UNC interim Chancellor Lee Roberts led a group of law enforcement officers onto Polk Place toward the flagpole. Police and protesters clashed as Roberts and the law enforcement officers again raised the American flag. Police were seen pulling and dragging a protester by their hair. Demonstrators sprayed water and threw water bottles at police. The police deployed pepper spray against demonstrators several times.
Many counter-protesters were present at the scene, expressing support for Roberts and the police as they raised the American flag. Police then escorted Roberts away from Polk Place. Roberts stood in front of South Building where he spoke to counter-protesters and members of the media. The rest of the police force entered Gerrard Hall. Several students with Israeli and American flags remained at the center of the Quad, keeping the American flag from touching the ground.
A few hours later reinforced fencing had been placed around the former location of the encampment — it remains as of Thursday, May 2.
