Northwestern University Police have arrested and charged these individuals for allegedly obstructing law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor that looms with the weight of a year in prison and a $2,500 fine though the encampment itself was a scene settled months ago, dismantled through a mutual understanding between the university's leaders and the protesters. In a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, Alithia Zamantakis, an assistant professor and one of the charged, expressed dismay at the actions of her employer.
The university maintains its stance that while peaceful demonstrations are allowed, actions that disrupt university operations or break the law are not, as confirmed by Northwestern spokesperson Jon Yates in statements to ABC7 Chicago.
Those facing charges include two professors, a graduate worker, and a librarian, Joshua Honn, who recounted being knocked down by an officer during the encounter and it all culminated with law enforcement backing down however Honn believes the charges are unjust, saying in an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, "I hope the charges are dropped ... I don't think we did anything wrong."
As per the Chicago Sun-Times, Honn is scheduled for his next hearing on August 15, and for now, the community watches, anticipating how the university balances its identity as an educator against its role as an enforcer.
