Around 6:25 p.m. today, protesters took down the remaining tent erected in front of Parkhurst Hall yesterday during a pro-Palestinian protest. After nearly two days of negotiations, the College announced that the immigration legal fund will provide up to $5,000 of aid for international students in need. Administrators also committed to releasing a formal response to the protesters’ divestment proposal by May 20.
Previously, the legal fund guaranteed students $2,000 with more potential funds for “special circumstances.” After negotiations, the College has defined that upper limit at $5,000.
“Dartmouth will provide directly affected students with up to $2,000,” the new policy reads. “For students with special circumstances, Dartmouth will review each situation on an individual basis and will consider additional financial support for a maximum of up to $5,000 based on need.”
Last night, protesters took down the first of two tents after the College revised their law enforcement policy to require visiting immigration officers to present a judicial warrant or subpoena to access areas that are not open to the public. The tents were erected earlier in the day on May 1, one year after 89 individuals were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest.
The resolution of this year’s encampment marks a stark contrast to the College’s response to last year’s encampment, when state police responded to the protest and forcibly dismantled the five tents on the Green.
College spokesperson Jana Barnello wrote in an email statement to The Dartmouth that the College is “pleased” the protesters removed the tent.
Around 11:30 p.m. last night, College representatives warned protesters that they risked disciplinary action if the tent remained on Parkhurst lawn. Within the hour, when protesters did not remove the tent, Department of Safety and Security officers distributed fliers to students advising them that they are subject to disciplinary proceedings.
“The students involved have been advised that they are in violation of Dartmouth policies and the disciplinary process has started,” Barnello wrote.
The Dartmouth previously reported that the protesters demanded a revised review of their divestment proposal, which calls for the College to divest from companies that support the Israeli war effort in Gaza.
Barnello wrote that although the College cannot bypass the established review process, the Advisory Committee on Investor Responsibility has met eight times since February to review the proposal and will vote whether to move the proposal forward by mid-May.
“Dartmouth is open to and has robust opportunities for student feedback, and we encourage all in our community to seek similar clarifying conversations,” Barnello wrote.
Before taking down the remaining tent, the protesters held another rally. Palestine Solidarity Coalition member Ramsey Alsheikh ’26 said the outcome of the negotiations was a “massive victory” and “step forward for the student movement” as students continue to push for divestment.
“We will move forward,” Alsheikh said. “This is not the end.”
Ramsey Alsheikh ’26 is an opinion editor for The Dartmouth. He was not involved in the writing or editing of this story.
Update Appended (May 3, 2:01 p.m.): This article has been updated to reflect the fact that $5,000 is the new maximum limit for a legal fund for international students.
Kelsey Wang is a reporter and editor for The Dartmouth from the greater Seattle area, majoring in history and government. Outside of The D, she likes to crochet, do jigsaw puzzles and paint.
