On Friday, Sept. 20, the 14 protestors from the pro-Palestinian encampment on Tulane University’s campus in April were acquitted on all charges.  

At least two of the acquitted are suspended Tulane students, Rory MacDonald and Vonne Crandell.  

Judge Benedict Williard presided over the trial without a jury. The trial was delayed from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and lasted approximately four hours.  

If the defendants were found guilty, they could face sentences ranging from a $500 fine to six months in jail.  

At 8:00 am, around forty protestors stood on the steps of the Orleans Criminal District Court to support the 14 defendants. Many of the protestors donned keffiyehs, a traditional Arab headdress that has become pro-Palestinian symbol. The protest consisted of cheers such as “Tulane Tulane you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide” and “Let’s go NOSHIP, Israel eat [expletive].” The chants were similar to those performed during April’s encampment. 

On Tulane Students for a Democratic Society’s Instagram account, they publicized the trial and encouraged their followers to come show their support at the courthouse. SDS played a major role in April’s encampment, and therefore was suspended from campus and is no longer affiliated with Tulane.  

The trial began with a cross-examination of the police officers who were present when the 14 defendants were arrested. There was an analysis of their body-cam footage, and defense attorneys and prosecutors speculated whether the arrests were made on Tulane’s campus.  

This is a developing story and will be updated.