In a disturbing incident at Case Western Reserve University, students participating in a pro-Palestine protest were allegedly assaulted by contractors hired by the university. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when the contractors were ordered to paint over the Advocacy and Spirit walls, which had been adorned with messages and the Palestinian flag the night before.

The messages on the walls included statements such as "I dream of breaking the siege" and "Come together in peace," along with the number of Palestinian children killed in the Gaza conflict since October. The administration deemed these messages as "threatening, intimidating, and antisemitic," according to an email from Eric Kaler, the university's president. Consequently, the contractors were instructed to paint over the walls.

However, several students decided to stand in front of the Spirit Wall to prevent the contractors from carrying out the order. In a video shared by Case's Students for Justice in Palestine group, one student is seen wearing a face shield, completely covered in the white paint being sprayed by the contractors.

In response to the incident, President Kaler issued a statement expressing his deep concern and apologizing to the college community. He emphasized that such treatment of students goes against the institution's core values of providing a safe and welcoming environment.

One of the students targeted in the video, Ameer Alkayali, an 18-year-old Palestinian-American who recently completed his freshman year at the University of Cincinnati, plans to take legal action against Case's administration and its public safety department. Alkayali had been protesting alongside Case students and was previously detained and released during their ongoing encampment.

Alkayali recounted that the contractors asked if they should continue painting despite the presence of the students. He stated that the police showed confusion and did not intervene, allowing the contractors to proceed with painting over the protesters. The students, already coughing from the paint, were left without any medical assistance or support from the university or local authorities.

The university has initiated an investigation into the incident. On Tuesday night, the Spirit Wall was once again painted, this time with a pro-Israeli message. President Kaler promised that individuals responsible for the assault, including the failure of their own officers to intervene, would be held accountable.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Police Chief Annie Todd released a statement urging President Kaler and his administration to consider the students' rights and stressed the importance of upholding First Amendment rights. They also implored individuals to demonstrate peacefully, acknowledging the progress made collectively by the city.

This incident has sparked outrage among students and the wider community, raising questions about freedom of expression, campus safety, and the handling of protests. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to address the allegations and ensure a supportive environment for all students at Case Western Reserve University.