LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – Dartmouth College’s president testified Monday in the ongoing trespassing trial of two students arrested last year for protesting Israel’s war on Gaza.
Student Kevin Engel and Roan Wade were arrested in October 2023 after refusing to break down a tent they had pitched in front of the president’s office. The students were among several taking part in a weekslong pro-Palestinian protest. Their trial, which began in February, was sidelined after defense lawyers sought to subpoena college president Sian Leah Beilock.
Testifying Monday, Beilock referenced several emails and texts with her staff about the protests in the week leading up to the arrests. “We talked about climate, capitalism, abortion, trans rights, all different sorts of things,” she said.
The protesters had been setting up and then removing the tents. But on the night of the arrests, Engel and Wade refused to take the tent down.
“At that point however, given that the students have clearly been told they are violating policy, I want to know what are options are for enforcing it,” Beilock said.
The defense used witnesses to imply that the arrests were politically motivated and a result of pressure from college donors.
Numerous witnesses, however, testified that Engel and Wade were given multiple opportunities to comply with campus rules. “Director Montas went out there with Sgt. Ufford in an effort to once again try to resolve the issue without making arrests and that was unsuccessful,” said Hanover Police Lt. Mike Schibuola.
The arrests led to a brief hunger strike on campus, as well as more protests and more arrests. “I think it is important that students fight back against these institutions who are trying to use state resources to suppress movements,” Engel said.
“As we go about our day-to-day it is very easy to look away, and we can’t let that happen,” Wade said.
The trial ended without a decision from the judge. If found guilty of criminal trespass, both students would only likely receive a fine.