Protest signs lay in the grass on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois, on April 25. The rally is among many roiling university campuses across the country in response to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Protest signs lay in the grass on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois, on April 25. The rally is among many roiling university campuses across the country in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. Scott Olson / Getty Images

A Northwestern University graduate student and three faculty members are facing misdemeanor charges related to the pro-Palestine encampment on campus in April.

University spokesperson Jon Yates said the four individuals were charged with obstructing a police officer during protests, according to the Chicago school's student newspaper, The Daily Northwestern.

If convicted, they could spend up to a year in jail and pay a $2,500 fine. A court hearing has been set for Aug. 15.

Over the past three months, numerous college students and staff have been arrested during pro-Palestine protests on campuses nationwide. Besides facing criminal charges, some students have been suspended and barred from receiving their degrees at this year's graduation ceremonies.