Hobbs signs bill to make university encampments a state crime

Arizona Outlaws Pro-Hamas Encampments

Protesters march against the ICE detention of Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, during a protest near Arizona State University (ASU) in Phoenix, Arizona, US, March 15, 2025. Photo: Rebecca Noble via Reuters Connect. The state of Arizona has criminalized “establishing or occupying an encampment on a university or community college campus,” a move that is a direct response to pro-Hamas demonstrations tha…

Hobbs signs bill banning encampments at state universities

Key Points: Encampments on college campuses now illegal in state law Legislation requires disciplinary action against protesters from administration Opponents feel language is overly broad and will lead to targeted enforcement It’s going to become a state crime to set up encampments for protests or solicitations at state universities despite some concerns that the measure is unnecessary. Gov. Katie Hobbs penned her approval on May 7 to legisl…

Hobbs signs bill to make university encampments a state crime

The Arizona measure, signed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, had support as well as opposition from both political parties.