From college campuses to the United Center, we’re bringing you up to speed on what to know about current and future demonstrations.
Catching Up on Campus Protests
Across the country, pro-Palestinian student protesters are putting pressure on universities to divest from institutions with Israeli connections amid war in Gaza.
- Northwestern students made headlines last week when they set up an encampment at the Evanston campus.
- Students at the Columbia College Chicago, the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, and Roosevelt University walked out Friday. There was also a rally at the University of Chicago.
What’s Going on With DNC Protests?
A coalition of activists have joined together to protest at this summer’s Democratic National Convention for a range of causes from supporting a ceasefire in Palestine to reproductive rights.
But demonstrators and the city disagree over where protests can happen: Organizers want to protest outside the convention at the United Center while the city seeks to keep demonstrations around Grant Park.
The city has rejected at least three permit applications, but activists have said they will protest “with or without permits.” The city did grant one permit near the convention after failing to respond to the application within a 10-day deadline.
Protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. (Getty)
You Need a Permit to Protest?
The city requires protesters to apply for a “parade” permit if the demonstration would require a street closure or traffic reroute. If the protest will disrupt foot traffic, the city says organizers should notify the Chicago Department of Transportation.
As for college campuses, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois is urging university officials and law enforcement to "resist pressure to restrict or prohibit student protest."
