Students arrested during UGA protests continue to push for charges to be dropped

ATLANTA, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – Six University of Georgia students who were arrested earlier this year during protests on their campus against the war between Israel and Hamas are expected to join state authorities in presenting their case in an effort to have disciplinary proceedings against them dropped.

These six students said they had a right to protest and that their actions did not disrupt academic operations during the demonstration.

In addition to the students, the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, alumni, Georgia elected officials and even some university professors will speak during a press conference on Monday.

The events began at a camp on campus where 25 people had gathered to protest against the war between Israel and Hamas. 16 of them were arrested.

Disciplinary action was taken against six of these students and they were also suspended from the university for the next semester.

The university has stood by the suspensions. In fact, university officials said the students intentionally violated university rules when they set up the camp. They said the camps put students and professors in danger and the students were asked to disperse.

Just last month, Atlanta News First spoke to one of the students arrested, who spoke about the impact it had on her life.

“I lost the chance to graduate with the class of 2024, which was tough, but I would be lying if I said I felt sorry for myself just because there are thousands of students in Israel right now who will never see their graduation,” said Isabelle Phillip, who was suspended from UGA due to protests.

During a disciplinary hearing in July, it was decided that these students would remain on probation for the remainder of their academic careers at the university, but the students could still appeal this decision.

Monday's press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Georgia State Capitol.

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