Israel-Hamas war

Nearly two weeks ago, Wake Forest University canceled a lecture by a Palestinian scholar and activist scheduled for Oct. 7. Some Wake faculty members and community organizers rallied together to host the event in a local church instead.

On the one-year anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel, Wake Forest University hosted an interfaith prayer for peace amid tensions surrounding the cancellation of a lecture by a Palestinian activist.

Last week, Wake Forest University President Susan Wente and Provost Michele Gillespie canceled the lecture, and said the school would not host events deemed “inherently contentious.” The decision garnered criticism from some students, faculty, and on Monday, the Middle East Studies Association, a nonprofit made up of scholars across the world.

Back in May, law enforcement officers were called to disband a pro-Palestine rally and encampment at Wake Forest University. A committee charged with reviewing the school’s response to the protest released their findings last week.

Nearly 200 Wake Forest University faculty and staff members have signed an open letter condemning the administration’s handling of a recent student-led Pro-Palestine rally. They’re also considering a vote of no confidence against President Susan Wente.

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have proposed a bill that would enhance penalties for people wearing a mask during a crime or intentionally blocking traffic during protests. The bill passed its first committee on Tuesday.

University officials had initially supported the students, part of a group known as Free Palestine WFU, in peacefully protesting since Tuesday afternoon. But that changed early Friday morning when officials told protesters that they had violated the agreed-upon terms of the encampment and that they would face interim suspension if they did not leave the site.

A pro-Palestine protest began on Wake Forest University’s campus Tuesday afternoon, and evolved into an encampment overnight that is still ongoing. Wake Forest officials have now entered into a written agreement with the student organizers.