UT Austin president addresses anti-Israel demonstrations after day of protests: 'A lot of emotion'

UT Austin President Jay Hartzell issued a statement late Wednesday following a day of anti-Israel protests on campus.

Hartzell called it a “challenging day for many” filled with a “lot of emotion.” He said UT Austin enforced the rules while protecting free speech.

“Peaceful protests within our rules are acceptable. Breaking our rules and policies and disrupting others’ ability to learn are not allowed,” he said, noting that the university held true on its promise to punish protesters who ignored pleas for restraint and to disperse.

He vowed that the University of Texas will “continue to take necessary steps so that all our University functions proceed without interruption.”