Sept. 19, 2024
Today a group of approximately 150 people gathered at the steps of Wilson Library for a “walk out” event. The event was promoted on social media by UNC Students for Justice in Palestine, TransparUNCy and UNC Graduate Students for the Liberation of Palestine.
After a short event with a few speakers, the group began moving around the center of campus and disrupted operations of the University. They entered at least nine academic buildings across campus shouting and attempting to disrupt classes. They also vandalized the interior and exterior of buildings along their way with spray paint and permanent markers. They caused significant damage throughout multiple buildings.
The group then gathered at the ROTC Naval Armory building, which is included in the National Register of Historic Places and proceeded to damage the exterior with spray paint.
The full extent of the damage and impact is still being determined.
Police are investigating and those who damaged University property or violated state law or University policy may face criminal prosecution and/or referral for discipline through other applicable University disciplinary processes.
“Free expression and peaceful protest are, of course, in line with Carolina’s best traditions. We cannot tolerate, however, vandalism of public property or disruption of classes. We’ll pursue every avenue possible to hold people accountable.” said Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “We have a beautiful campus maintained by our hard-working facilities staff. We expect everyone who comes to this campus to show respect and care for this historic place and for the people trying to live, work and learn here.”
Resources
Events such as this can be difficult for members of our campus community and resources are available to support our community.
If you have information on this incident, you can contact UNC Police at 919-962-8100.
For students, counseling sessions are available through Counseling and Psychological Services. For students who may need mental health services outside of business hours, please call the 24/7 Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) line: 919-966-3658.
For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support is available online at guidanceresources.com. Log on with a username and password or register with Web ID: TARHEELS. You may also call 877-314-5841 to make an appointment with a counselor. Support is free and confidential.
Campus community members may contact the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office to report discrimination and harassment based on protected status, including age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and veteran status.
Archive
April 30, 2024: A message from University leaders on campus protests
April 30, 2024: Statement from Interim Chancellor Roberts and Provost Clemens on campus demonstrations