The protesters set up tents this week against campus policy, according to the Auraria Higher Education Center.
DENVER — Police on Friday afternoon responded to an encampment of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had set up tents on the Auraria Campus near downtown Denver.
Auraria Campus sent out an alert about 12:30 p.m. stating that “Due to civil unrest, please avoid the Tivoli Quad.” That alert was followed by another saying that all inbound traffic to the Auraria Campus was closed.
Sky9 flew over the encampment and showed dozens of police officers lined up at the encampment. Some people were detained and being held on a Denver Sheriff Department bus.
The Denver Police Department said that they’re supporting Auraria Campus Police in the operation.
The demonstration started Thursday on the Tivoli Quad on the campus. Protests have sprung up on campuses across the country this month, starting with students at Columbia University. Administrators and police on campuses from California to Connecticut have wrestled with how to address the demonstrations that have seen scuffles with police and hundreds of arrests.
The Auraria Higher Education Center released a statement Friday saying “We fully support the right of students to assemble peacefully. Still, it’s essential to note that Auraria Campus policy prohibits camping on the premises because of health, safety and security considerations. Participants set up an encampment and were repeatedly notified that they did not comply with the policy.”
The Auraria Campus near Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway includes Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, and Community College of Denver.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
RELATED: As some universities negotiate with pro-Palestinian protesters, others quickly call the police
RELATED: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down airport highways and key bridges in major U.S. cities
> Top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER right now to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.
