The University of Texas assured the public it would not allow pro-Palestinian protestors to "take over" its Austin campus amid Wednesday's massive demonstration calling for justice in the Middle Eastern country.
Several students associated with the university's Palestine Solidarity Committee walked out of class and congregated near Gregory Gym, despite UT sending a letter to students the night before stating the event was not authorized.
"Simply put, The University of Texas at Austin will not allow this campus to be 'taken' and protesters to derail our mission in ways that groups affiliated with your national organization have accomplished elsewhere," the letter issued by the Office of the Dean of Students read, in part, according to KVUE-TV.
"Please be advised that you are not permitted to hold your event on the University campus. Any attempt to do so will subject your organization and its attending members to discipline including suspension under the Institutional Rules."
Similarly, the university's Division of Student Affairs said disruptions would not be tolerated as this is "an important time in our semester with students finishing classes and studying for finals and we will act first and foremost to allow those critical functions to proceed without interruption," according to the station.
Some areas on campus were subsequently evacuated.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, at least 20 people were arrested as of Wednesday evening, KVUE reported.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the arrests would continue "until the crowd disperses."
"These protesters belong in jail. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period. Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled," he wrote on X.
At least eight college campuses in the U.S. were experiencing pro-Palestinian protests Wednesday.
