MINNEAPOLIS — The aftermath of students taking over Morrill Hall at the University of Minnesota has protesters standing firm in their push for the University to divest in financial connections to Israel. On Tuesday, a group of students from the U of M Divestment Coalition waited for 11 students and alumni to be released from jail after being arrested Monday night.
In a statement, University President Rebecca Cunningham called the occupation of the building where administrative offices are held, "a terrifying experience for many of our employees." She went on to discuss the University's rich history and commitment to free expression.
"We think there is an extreme lack of urgency from the university on some of our demands," Juliet Murphy, a protester from Students for Democratic Society (SDS) said.
The SDS organized the occupation of Morrill Hall on Monday. Murphy says they do not regret their actions of barricading the doors shut and spray painting the indoor security cameras.
"The First Amendment does not give us the right to destroy property however strongly we may feel about our cause," University of Minnesota media ethics and law professor, Jane Kirtley said.
Kirtley supports peaceful protests, as they have been a part of the University for decades, including at Morrill Hall. The administrative building was occupied peacefully for an entire day by students advocating for Black students' rights during the Civil Rights movement in 1969.
"The challenge is to balance the First Amendment rights of the protesters and the rights of the other students to go about their business on the regular day," Kirtley said.
Which the Jewish Communications Relations Council feels students could not do on Monday night, especially Jewish students.
"Intimidation, vandalism, occupation is not free speech, it's about stoking fear and interfering with the life of the University," JCRC executive director, Steve Hunegs said.
Students apart of SDS chose to protest because of the University of Minnesota's neutral stance on investments and financial ties to Israel, particularly the Consolidated Endowment Fund. This has been a debated topic since protesters from the U of M Divestment Coalition formed with SDS, Young Democratic-Socialists of America (YDSA), and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).
This coalition was behind the encampment from the end of April last year that lasted through May 2. It closed down several buildings, including the most visited library during final exams.
The protesters agreed to remove the encampment after having a formal meeting with university leaders, including the interim president, Jeff Ettinger. Here is the list of commitments the University agreed to and say they have made progress on nearly completely them all.