University of Penn and University of Chicago: Over a Dozen Arrested During Pro-Palestinian Occupation Attempts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States of America
At the University of Chicago, 19 individuals were arrested after attempting to occupy the Institute of Politics building.
On May 17, 2024, over a dozen pro-Palestinian activists attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).
Protesters had barricaded entrances and covered windows with newspaper and cardboard.
Six UPenn students were among those arrested.
The arrests caused the evacuation of an alumni event at the Penn Museum.
University of Penn and University of Chicago: Over a Dozen Arrested During Pro-Palestinian Occupation Attempts

PHILADELPHIA - Protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict continued at universities across the country, with several arrests made at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and University of Chicago last week. On May 17, 2024, protesters attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall at UPenn and were met with a strong police presence.

According to multiple sources, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Daily Pennsylvanian, over a dozen pro-Palestinian activists gathered at the hall in an attempt to seize the building. Among those arrested were six UPenn students. Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine had announced their plans for an occupation earlier in the week, urging supporters to bring items such as flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, and megaphones.

The attempt to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall came just one week after UPenn cleared a 'Gaza solidarity encampment' from campus. Protesters had been camped out on the College Green for over two weeks in support of Palestinians in Gaza, but university officials deemed the encampment a safety hazard and ordered its removal.

The Philadelphia Police Department and UPenn Police responded to the attempted occupation with force, using riot shields and clubs to push protesters out of the street. One police officer was reportedly assaulted during the confrontation, leading to additional charges for some of those arrested.

Protesters had barricaded three entrances to Fisher-Bennett Hall with wooden pallets, wire, and overturned furniture. They also covered windows with newspaper and cardboard and secured exit doors with zip-ties, barbed wire, metal chairs, desks, bike racks, and cardboard.

The attempted occupation caused the evacuation of an alumni event at the Penn Museum. Visiting alumni had been warned of potential disruptions in advance.

Protesters' demands included divestment from Israeli companies and support for Palestinian rights. They also accused UPenn administrators of not negotiating in good faith over their concerns.

The arrests at UPenn were not an isolated incident. At the University of Chicago, 19 individuals were arrested on May 17, 2024, after attempting to occupy the Institute of Politics building. Among those arrested were students from both universities.

These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and its impact on college campuses across the United States.


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Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Were all those arrested students?
  • Were there any injuries reported among the protesters or police officers?

Sources

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Several Penn students face felony charges over attempted anti-Israel occupation

The Times of Israel Sunday, 19 May 2024 07:34
  • Unique Points
    • Several University of Pennsylvania students are among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building.
    • Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine announced the action, urging supporters to bring items such as flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, and megaphones.
    • University police recovered clock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums after clearing the building.
  • Accuracy
    • Seven of the students arrested on Friday remained in custody awaiting felony charges, including one person who assaulted an officer.
    • University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building.
    • Protesters found on campus had lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields made from oil drums.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

85%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

19 protesters arrested after trying to occupy Penn's Fisher-Bennett Hall

ABC Philadelphia News Station Saturday, 18 May 2024 01:18
  • Unique Points
    • Nineteen protesters were arrested on May 17, 2024 at the University of Pennsylvania campus.
    • Members of Penn Gaza Solidarity attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall before police arrived.
    • Seven individuals, including seven Penn students, were arrested and taken into custody.
    • Twelve people were issued citations for failure to disperse and failure to follow police commands and later released.
    • Protesters found on campus had lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields made from oil drums.
    • Exit doors of Fisher-Bennett Hall were secured with zip-ties, barbed wire, metal chairs, desks, bike racks and cardboard.
  • Accuracy
    • Seven of the students arrested on Friday remained in custody awaiting felony charges.
    • Those arrested were cited for failure to disperse and other charges; seven individuals are still in custody awaiting felony charges.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in its lack of disclosure of sources and its sensationalist portrayal of the events. It does not indicate which sources provided the information about the protesters' intentions and actions, nor does it link to any studies or evidence supporting claims made by the author.
    • The author writes, 'according to the university, 19 people, including seven Penn students, were arrested.' This creates an impression that the arrests were made solely based on the university's statement without providing any evidence or sources. It also omits mentioning that seven protesters remain in custody awaiting felony charges.
    • The author states 'Protesters say they decided to take over Fisher Bennett Hall because Penn administrators failed to meet their demands and refused to negotiate in good faith.' This is a selective reporting as it does not mention the university's response or any counter-arguments.
    • The article states that 'Members of the Penn Gaza Solidarity said they were planning to occupy the Fisher-Bennett Hall.' This is a lie by omission as it fails to mention that this group was invited by two professors at UPenn and had previously held meetings with university administrators.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains a few informal fallacies and an example of inflammatory rhetoric. It also uses a quote from the subject of the article without clearly distinguishing it as such.
    • . . . scuffled with some pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the city's University City section.
    • Members of the Penn Gaza Solidarity said they were planning to occupy the Fisher-Bennett Hall.
    • Protesters say they decided to take over Fisher Bennett Hall because Penn administrators failed to meet their demands and refused to negotiate in good faith.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

College Tensions Reignite with Arrests at Penn, Chicago

Bloomberg News Now Chelsea Mes, Sunday, 19 May 2024 07:36
  • Unique Points
    • Protesters attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall at University of Pennsylvania
    • Nineteen people were taken into custody
    • Six of those arrested were Penn students
  • Accuracy
    • Seven faced felony charges
    • Seven of the students arrested remained in custody awaiting felony charges
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

77%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

UPenn protests: 19 arrested, 6 of them students, as protesters attempted to occupy campus building

FOX 29 News Steve Keeley Sunday, 19 May 2024 07:37
  • Unique Points
    • Pro-Palestinian protesters returned to University of Pennsylvania to seize a building one week after an encampment was dismantled.
    • Hundreds of protesters gathered at Fisher Bennett Hall, where they were met by police and not permitted inside.
    • 19 people, including six students, were arrested during the attempted occupation.
    • Those arrested were cited for failure to disperse and other charges; seven individuals are still in custody awaiting felony charges.
    • Protesters accused the University of Penn administration of not negotiating in good faith over investments with Israel.
    • Police found lock-picking tools, homemade metal shields, zip-tied doors, barbed wire, and barricades during the occupation attempt.
  • Accuracy
    • Several University of Pennsylvania students are among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building.
    • Police recovered lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums after clearing the building.
  • Deception (10%)
    The author uses sensational language in the title and body of the article to grab the reader's attention. The title implies that a large number of people were arrested, but only six of them were students. The author also selectively reports details about the protesters' actions and what was found at the scene, implying that they were preparing to hold Fisher Bennett Hall by stating 'In Friday night’s aftermath, Penn Police found lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields they crafted from oil drums.' However, there is no mention of these items being used or even seen during the protest itself. The author also uses emotional manipulation by implying that the university administration is not negotiating in good faith with the protesters.
    • They were met by police and were not permitted into Fisher Bennett Hall. According to the university, 19 people, including six students, were arrested.
    • Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters once again converged on the University of Pennsylvania in an effort to seize a building.
    • Protesters on campuses nationwide have grown in numbers since April, with protesters at many local universities taking part in peaceful protests of Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes several statements that imply a dichotomous depiction of the situation without providing sufficient context or evidence. For example, he states 'protesters were not permitted into Fisher Bennett Hall' and 'those individuals were then released', but he does not provide any information about why they were not permitted entry or what charges they faced besides 'failure to disperse'. This creates a simplistic and potentially misleading portrayal of the situation. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the protesters' actions as an 'occupation' and accusing them of attempting to 'seize a building', which could be perceived as biased and sensationalist.
    • ]University Police found lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields they crafted from oil drums.[
    • Protesters were not permitted into Fisher Bennett Hall.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

75%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Police arrest six student protesters at University of Pennsylvania

theguardian.com Article URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/ pakistan-·coalition-·agrees-to-form-government Edward Helmore Saturday, 18 May 2024 18:03
  • Unique Points
    • More than a dozen pro-Palestinian activists, including six students at the University of Pennsylvania, were arrested after attempting to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall.
    • Protesters caused the evacuation of an alumni event at the Penn Museum.
    • University police and Philadelphia police responded to the attempt to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall.
    • The effort to occupy the hall comes a week after the university cleared a ‘Gaza solidarity encampment’ from campus.
    • Protesters may have used wooden pallets, wire, and overturned furniture to block entrances.
    • Police formed a barricade and pushed protesters out of the street.
    • One police officer told the outlet that they ‘could not wait’ to arrest individuals.
  • Accuracy
    • Several University of Pennsylvania students are among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building.
    • University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building.
    • Exit doors had been secured with zip-ties, barbed wire, metal chairs and desks.
    • Demonstrators marched to the Penn Museum and Franklin Field after being dispersed.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position of the protesters attempting to occupy a hall on the University of Pennsylvania campus. The article also uses emotional manipulation by quoting protesters chanting 'There is only one solution, intifada revolution.' and describing their attempts to block entrances with makeshift barricades and chanting 'Free Palestine'. Additionally, the article sensationalizes the situation by implying that the protesters caused an evacuation of an alumni event at the Penn Museum.
    • Police, some with riot shields and clubs, formed a barricade and pushed protesters out of the street.
    • It also said campus police had recovered lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums...
    • protesters chanted: 'There is only one solution, intifada revolution.'
    • More than a dozen protesters were arrested after attempting to take over Fisher-Bennett Hall...
  • Fallacies (80%)
    The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by quoting the protesters chanting 'There is only one solution, intifada revolution.' This can be considered an appeal to emotion fallacy as it attempts to evoke a strong emotional response from the reader. The author also reports on the actions of the protesters without explicitly stating that they are wrong or committing a fallacy, but by reporting their actions and quoting their inflammatory chants, it can be inferred that they are attempting to create a negative image of the protesters.
    • There is only one solution, intifada revolution.
  • Bias (75%)
    The author uses language that depicts the protesters as extreme or unreasonable by quoting their chant 'There is only one solution, intifada revolution.' and their plan to rename the hall after a Palestinian poet who was killed in Gaza.
    • The planned occupation was the result of a “series of escalations by the Penn administration”, including a refusal to negotiate in “good faith”, and it cited student arrests by Penn police and disciplinary actions by the university.
      • “There is only one solution, intifada revolution.”
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication