Article Summary –
Police broke up a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Michigan on the basis of public safety, leading to the arrest of four people. The campus encampment was established on April 22nd as a form of protest, demanding the school’s endowment stop investing in companies linked to Israel. Protests like these have been happening on campuses across the country, with some leading to arrests and even disruptions in classes and scheduled events.
Pro-Palestinian Encampment at University of Michigan Dispersed by Police for Public Safety Threat
A pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Michigan was dispersed by the police early Tuesday, citing a public safety threat. This comes after demonstrators placed fake body bags at a school official’s lawn last week.
Approximately 50 people were cleared from the Diag, a known site for campus protests. Video footage shows police using an irritant to disperse the crowd. Four arrests were made, causing protesters to march outside the Washtenaw County jail in solidarity.
Pro-Palestinian student groups declared their resolve on social media, stating they would not cease their actions. The encampment was initially established on April 22, just prior to spring commencement, displaying posters denouncing university officials.
After the encampment was cleared, nearby libraries were closed, barring students from studying. President Santa Ono cited safety concerns as the reason for the action, referring to overloaded power sources and open flames that organizers refused to address even after a fire marshal’s inspection.
Protesters demand that the university’s endowment stop investing in firms with ties to Israel. However, the university asserts its investments in such companies are less than $15 million, making up less than 0.1% of the total endowment.
Protesters had previously placed red-stained sheets resembling body bags on a board member’s lawn, prompting discussions on antisemitism. These tent encampments have been appearing on campuses nationwide, urging colleges to cut financial ties with Israel. Arrests have exceeded 3,000 across U.S. campuses since an April 18 incident at Columbia University.
In Philadelphia, a pro-Palestinian encampment at Drexel University persisted despite an earlier warning from the university president. The president stated attempts to communicate with the protesters were unsuccessful, and classes remained virtual due to the encampment.
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