The prestigious Princeton University in the US evicted & banned an Indian Origin student named Achinthya Sivalingam for participating in the pro-Palestine protest. Achinthya Sivalingam was arrested by US authorities for participating in an unauthorised student-led pro-Palestine encampment protest within campus premises. Thereafter, Princeton banned Achinthya Sivalingam from entering the premises and studying in it till a disciplinary process concluded against her. Now, the question arises who is Achinthya Sivalingam? Below is everything you need to know about Princeton University Student Achinthya Sivalingam
Who is Achinthya Sivalingam?
As per Princeton's official website, Achinthya Sivalingam was born in Coimbatore, India, and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Achinthya studied world politics and economics at the Ohio State University. She has worked on a range of policy issues in the United States and in India through civil society organizations and the legal system, politics and movement building, and private philanthropy.
Most recently, Achinthya supported policy and advocacy work for the climate adaptation, agricultural development, and nutrition portfolios at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior to her time at the foundation, Achinthya has worked on a congressional campaign in Ohio's third district and on land rights and policy in India at the Centre for Policy Research. She's interested in climate narratives and communications, especially as they relate to adaptation and development.
Princeton's website states that Achinthya Sivalingam is from the Class of 2014.
Achinthya Sivalingam's arrest reason
Princeton University spokesperson Jennifer Morrill was quoted saying that two graduate students were arrested "after repeated warnings from the Department of Public Safety to cease activity and leave the area". Jennifer further said, "They have been immediately barred from campus, pending a disciplinary process”, adding that the remaining tents in the encampment area were "voluntarily taken down by protesters".
For the unversed, on Thursday morning, student protesters had set up tents in the University's McCosh Courtyard despite warnings from authorities.