Scene staff writer Eli Motycka was arrested by Vanderbilt University police while reporting on student protests regarding campus speech and Israel's military invasion of Gaza.
Motycka had previously reported on Vanderbilt students' frustrations with the university administration, which, according to emails shared with the Scene, appeared to obstruct the efforts of students who wanted to voice support for Palestine. This included the administration telling students they would not permit a Vanderbilt Student Government vote on a resolution supporting the divestment from and boycott of Israel. The setbacks culminated in an ongoing sit-in at campus.
Faculty criticize university for controlling student speech
Scene photographer Matt Masters captured the arrest on video, which you can view below.
Update, 3:57 p.m.: Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk told reporters through a spokesperson Tuesday afternoon, "This office will not prosecute a reporter for peacefully doing his or her job."
Update, 4:45 p.m.: Motycka was released from custody and returned to Vanderbilt’s campus by the arresting officer at 4 p.m. Tuesday. He was not charged with a crime. Public Defender Martesha Johnson Moore tells Motycka that Judicial Magistrate Timothy Lee did not find probable cause to hear Vanderbilt’s charges against Motycka.
