Breaking his silence on the pro-Palestine protest encampment, Interim Harvard President Alan M. Garber issued a university-wide email on Monday morning, threatening "involuntary leave" for demonstrators who persisted in controlling Harvard Yard.
"I write today with this simple message: The continuation of the encampment presents a significant risk to the educational environment of the University," Garber wrote. "Those who participate in or perpetuate its continuation will be referred for involuntary leave from their Schools. The encampment favors the voices of a few over the rights of many who have experienced disruption in how they learn and work at a critical time of the semester," Garber added. "I call on those participating in the encampment to end the control of Harvard Yard."
Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine (HOOP) – the unrecognized pro-Palestine student group organizing the encampment — wrote in a statement that "Garber's threats represent a significant and unprecedented escalation by the University, and we will respond at our press conference at 5 p.m. today at Johnston Gate, Harvard Yard."
The escalation coincides with the impending end of finals, leaving just over two weeks until Harvard's commencement ceremonies, which are anticipated to host multitudes of Harvard affiliates, families, and esteemed guests.
In his email, Garber cautioned that suspended students would be unable to complete exams, maintain residence in Harvard housing, and "must cease to be present on campus until reinstated." Barring students from campus could pave the way for police intervention to remove protesters from the Yard. However, Garber did not indicate any immediate plans for forcible removal, despite previously setting a "very high bar" for police action. He also did not express any intention to engage in negotiations with HOOP, which had set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Monday.
Garber added he was "troubled by increasing reports" of "intimidation and harassment" by encampment protesters. "When Harvard staff have requested IDs...supporters have at times yelled, tried to encircle them, and interfered with their work," he wrote. "We have received reports that passers-by have been confronted, surveilled, and followed. Such actions are indefensible."
He also warned the encampment could impact commencement, risking alienating support from affiliates like graduating seniors if it disrupts the ceremony attended by 32,000 annually. "The members of the class of 2024 deserve to enjoy this milestone uninterrupted and unimpeded," Garber stated. "It would be especially painful if students...denied a full graduation ceremony for a second time." The statement came hours after Columbia University canceled its main commencement following pro-Palestinian protests and arrests.
For 13 days, Garber had permitted the encampment while disciplinary proceedings against the students were initiated. This approach had enabled Harvard to avoid the backlash that other universities faced over pro-Palestinian protests. Garber's statement suggests that Harvard's strategy is now shifting after nearly two weeks.
