NU students’ citations at Sessions protest tossed

Evanston officials dropped all charges Thursday against five Northwestern University students who police cited for disorderly conduct in connection with the November protest of a campus presentation by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

The announcement came at a municipal court hearing Thursday at Evanston’s Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. City Attorney Michelle Masoncup declined to comment on the decision to dismiss the citations.

The students said they were surprised and relieved at the city’s decision, even though they still face disciplinary measures from Northwestern officials.

“I didn’t expect it,” said student Kelsey Phalen, 23, about the city’s decision.

Ross Patten, 21, said after the hearing that he was “feeling good.”

“It’s been an immense amount of stress,” said Patten.

Attorney Molly Armour, one of the lawyers representing the five students, said they received a total of 11 citations for disorderly conduct following an investigation after the protest.

Northwestern officials said in a statement Thursday that “the University is following the agreed upon process between the City of Evanston and Northwestern. Now that it is a civil matter, it is up to the City of Evanston to handle the matter as it deems appropriate.”

The citations were issued after the former attorney general came to Northwestern Nov. 5 at the invitation of the College Republicans.

According to the Daily Northwestern, about 150 people protested the event, some climbing through open windows and pushing through doors to interrupt the speech.