April 29, 5:27 p.m.
Robin Kaler, associate chancellor for strategic communications and marketing, issued an official statement to The Daily Illini about the University administration’s view on the student encampments.
The statement began with “We respect the rights of freedom of speech and expression and remain committed to providing a safe environment for all members of our community.”
The statement then discussed that University policies do not allow camping tents on the University Campus. When this policy is broken, the University will inform whoever breaches the policy “and instruct them to remove these items pursuant with negotiated timelines.”
“If our request is ignored, university staff are authorized to remove the items,” the statement read.
According to the statement, anyone who interferes with this process is subject to consequences, including possible immediate interim suspension for students and arrest when criminal law is violated.
“Demonstrators who do not violate university policies are allowed to remain on a public space as long as they continue to abide by university policies and state and federal laws,” Kaler stated.
According to Kaler, the University’s actions so far “have been and will continue to be focused on keeping our campus community safe and providing our students with the best possible educational experience.”
