Dr. Jill Stein, the Green Party Presidential Candidate, was among approximately 80 individuals apprehended on Saturday evening at Washington University in St. Louis. The demonstration follows the previous weekend’s arrests and suspensions of students engaging in a sit-in protest during a university event aimed at prospective students.
Around 10 p.m., hundreds of demonstrators shifted from the WashU campus to the St. Louis County jail in Clayton, where dozens of protestors, including Stein, were detained. 5 On Your Side reported on-site overnight and estimated roughly 200 people waiting outside, showing support for those arrested.
Dr. Stein spent six hours in police custody, being booked in the jail at 7:26 pm and released at 1:30 am. Minutes after her release, she spoke with 5 On Your Side, revealing she is facing charges of assault.
“I sat alone in a cell for a long time, wondering if anybody even knew I was there. I was separated from the group, wondering if I’d be there all night or for a week,” said Stein.
WashU issued a statement, indicating that all those arrested will be charged with trespassing, with some potentially facing additional charges of resisting arrest and assault against Washington University officers. Following a request from KSDK for information on injured officers, WashU disclosed that three officers were hurt, suffering a broken finger, groin injury, and concussion.
Dr. Stein claimed she faces charges for assaulting an officer but asserts she was the one assaulted.
“I was separated from the crowd and initially felt safe in numbers. However, I was later charged with assault after being assaulted by an officer on a bicycle and thrown onto my head,” she stated.
According to the Jill Stein campaign, both the Campaign Manager and Deputy Campaign Manager were also arrested during the protest. Stein criticized WashU’s handling of the situation, labeling it as a negative reflection on the university. She emphasized the importance of exercising constitutional rights, particularly freedom of speech, on critical issues necessitating dialogue.
Stein expressed confidence that the charges and arrest wouldn’t significantly impact her campaign, emphasizing their commitment to supporting students and young people. The protest followed previous student arrests and suspensions during a sit-in protest targeting a university event for potential students.
Resist WashU, the group leading the demonstration, aimed to hold Washington University accountable for not adhering to a student union resolution demanding the severance of ties with Boeing Co. due to its involvement in supplying military weapons to Israel during conflicts. The collective alleged that last weekend’s protest faced excessive police presence and threats of violence and mass arrests by the university’s police department.
Before the arrests on Saturday, the group declared its intention to maintain the encampment until the university fulfilled five demands:
- Sever ties with Boeing.
- Boycott educational institutions in Israel.
- Withdraw charges and suspensions against protestors, defund university police.
- Cease land purchases and return all land to indigenous communities.
- Issue a statement condemning Palestinian genocide and advocating for a ceasefire.
“Our Official Statement Regarding the Current St. Louis Protests & Washington University
We affirm our solidarity with Washington University in upholding the cherished principles of cultural and religious diversity, essential to any esteemed institution of higher learning.
While peaceful protests are acceptable, any actions that foster a hostile environment or endanger the safety of students, or advocate harm against Israel and the Jewish community, must not be condoned.
