In a defiant move, pro-Palestinian protesters have refused to disband their encampment at Drexel University, ignoring the request made by the university's president. As nationwide arrests linked to campus demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war surpass the 3,000 mark, tensions rise on campus, forcing Drexel's Philadelphia campus into lockdown.

Drexel President John Fry issued a statement expressing concern over the encampment's disruption of normal university operations. Fry cited reports and images of protestors engaging in antisemitic speech, signs, and chants, pledging disciplinary action against participating Drexel students. In response, the Drexel Palestine Coalition accused both Drexel and city police of harassment and intimidation, denying any claims of hateful or intimidating actions.

The encampment's demands included calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, divesting from companies doing business with Israel, abolishing the Drexel police department, and terminating the university's chapter of Hillel, the Jewish campus organization. The protesters' presence has led to classes being held virtually, with Drexel employees encouraged to work from home.

While no arrests have been reported at Drexel, more than 3,000 people have been arrested on campuses across the United States over the past month. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations gained momentum following a police crackdown on an encampment at Columbia University in April, igniting tensions nationwide. As summer break approaches, campuses have seen fewer disruptions, but colleges remain watchful during commencement ceremonies.

At the University of California, Santa Cruz, graduate students initiated a strike as part of a rolling systemwide protest against administrators' responses to pro-Palestinian encampments. Similar protests and arrests have occurred at campuses in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine.

Meanwhile, at the University of Pennsylvania, 19 demonstrators, including six Penn students, were arrested on Friday night. On Monday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner declined to charge four of the Penn protesters but approved misdemeanor charges against three others. The remaining 12 individuals were given citations for failing to disperse. Penn's commencement ceremony proceeded with increased security measures and a ban on flags and signs, without disruptions.

In a separate incident at Yale University, dozens of students walked out of the commencement ceremony, waving Palestinian flags. Yale University stated that the students peacefully walked out and were guided outside the event space, allowing the ceremony to continue as scheduled.

Wesleyan University in Connecticut reached an agreement with student protesters to review possible divestment, with meetings scheduled for later this month and in the fall. As part of the agreement, Wesleyan protesters dismantled their encampment on Monday.

According to the Associated Press, at least 82 incidents involving arrests have been recorded since April 18 during campus protests across the United States. The total number of arrests on the campuses of 61 colleges and universities stands at 3,025, based on AP reporting and statements from universities and law enforcement agencies.

The current Israel-Hamas war commenced when Hamas and other militants entered southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the hostage-taking of an additional 250 individuals. As per Gaza's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants, Israel's military has reportedly killed more than 35,000 people in Gaza, while Palestinian militants continue to hold around 100 captives.