The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
A demonstrator speaks during the Free Speech in Higher Ed protest in Schenley Plaza.

Local first-time protesters talk motivation for rallying, right to assemble

By Amanda Yu, Senior Staff Writer • April 21, 2025
Local first-time protesters said they are choosing to show out in response to a nationwide surge in protests, threats to free speech and other issues.
An image of Michael Knowles set on fire outside of the O'Hara Student Center on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Couple charged in Knowles protest sentenced to prison and probation and owe nearly $50,000 in damages

By Neel Kamal and Spencer Levering • January 7, 2025
The couple who threw a homemade firework at Pitt Police officers and planted two smoke bombs during a protest against conservative commentator Michael Knowles in April 2023 were sentenced to time in prison and probation and fined nearly $50,000 on Monday.
Pro-Lebanon, Palestine groups host “emergency rally” in response to attacks on Middle East

Pro-Lebanon, Palestine groups host “emergency rally” in response to attacks on Middle East

By Briana Bindus, Assistant News Editor  • September 26, 2024
Pro-Lebanon and Palestine groups from across Pittsburgh hosted an “emergency rally” on Wednesday evening in front of the Cathedral of Learning, later moving to Schenley Plaza. About 100 students and community members gathered to protest for the protection of Lebanon as violence rises between Israel and Hazbollah. 
The Cathedral of Learning.

Pitt’s free speech ranking declines in new report

By Kyra McCague, Senior Staff Writer • September 23, 2024
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) ranked Pitt 208th out of 251 schools for free speech in the 2025 report on speech climates, a drop from its previous ranking of 130th of 248 schools.
An activist leads the crowd of protesters in chants during the event at Schenley Plaza on Tuesday.

Pitt launches free speech website

By Kyra McCague, Senior Staff Writer • September 6, 2024
Following the pro-Palestine protests that took place first at the end of April and then reassembled in early June, Pitt added protesting guidelines to the new free speech website.
Tents crowd the lawn outside of the Cathedral of Learning on Monday, June 3.

SGB issues statement regarding community and recent protests, student activist organizations respond

By Spencer Levering, News Editor • July 12, 2024
Following the second pro-Palestinian encampment at Pitt, the Student Government Board released a statement on July 5 expressing support for on-campus Jewish organizations and condemned discrimination in the campus community. Progressive Students for Change at Pitt, a pro-Palestinian activist organization, responded saying SGB has “misrepresented” their cause.
Police officer stands tensely in front of a “HANDS OFF YEMEN” sign at the Palestine solidarity encampment on Monday, June 3.

Opinion | What does it mean for a state entity to defend itself?

By Thomas Riley, Opinions Editor • June 12, 2024
Their billy clubs that beat back student protestors, their tear gas that dispersed countless Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020 and their guns that ended 1,195 lives last year are all protected by the greatest power in the police’s repertoire — the legal right to exercise physical violence against the population.
A protester records an interaction between police and protesters at the Palestine Solidarity Encampment on Sunday night.

Opinion | Pitt taught me to stand up against injustice, then sent police to beat my classmates

By Livia Daggett, Contributing Editor • June 6, 2024
I urge Pitt administrators to have the courage to join the ranks of universities turning toward Palestinian liberation. Pitt, your education has taught me again and again that the world shouldn’t be this way.
Protesters face police officers during the Palestine Solidarity Encampment on Sunday night.

“Palestine solidarity encampment” disbands following negotiations with Gainey and Innamorato

By Spencer Levering, News Editor • June 4, 2024
After over 30 hours of protest, the “Palestine solidarity encampment” disbanded early Tuesday morning. Mayor Ed Gainey and county executive Sara Innamorato were involved in discussions that led to the encampment’s dissolution.
Protesters face police officers during the Palestine Solidarity Encampment on Sunday night.

Editorial | The Pitt News Editorial Board condemns all violence at the University of Pittsburgh protests this week.

By The Pitt News Editorial Board • June 4, 2024
But more jarring than the police confiscating and removing a main source of sustenance, one needed to keep protesters from getting sick in the summer heat, is the violence that has been displayed at these protests the last few days.
Load More Stories