Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced today that 14 individuals have been indicted for Obstruction of a Passageway, a Class B misdemeanor, stemming from a protest and unauthorized encampment at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) on May 1, 2024.
The protest, organized by Students for Justice in Palestine, involved the creation of an unauthorized encampment in Chess Plaza, blocking a pedestrian walkway with tents, tarps, and other materials. After university officials ordered the removal of the encampment, law enforcement dismantled the site.
While many protesters complied, 14 individuals allegedly sat down, locked arms, and refused repeated commands to clear the walkway. These individuals were among 21 people arrested for Criminal Trespass.
Following a review of the evidence, a Collin County grand jury indicted 14 of the protesters for Obstruction of a Passageway. The remaining seven cases were not indicted.
District Attorney Willis stated, “Free speech is protected. Blocking access and refusing lawful commands is not. These charges reflect that a clear line exists between protest and unlawful disruption.”
Obstruction of a Passageway is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or community supervision under Texas law.
