Dozens of UMass students arrested during a sit-in protest against the war in Gaza appeared in court on Thursday.
Fifty-six students plus one staff member were arrested on October 25th for refusing to vacate an administration building after closing time and were charged with criminal trespassing.
Most of the defendants had their charges downgraded to civil infractions or agreed to a reduction of the charge.
Twenty-one students, however, say they will go to trial.
A university spokesperson says UMass would continue its internal conduct process. A teach-in protest by faculty is scheduled for next Monday.
(Photo credit AWAD AWAD/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: AWAD AWAD / AFP / Getty Images