MINNEAPOLIS — On Wednesday morning, students walked by Coffman Memorial Union covered in pro-Palestinian messaging.
But as a power washing crew began erasing the graffiti, rumors of another protest crept in.
On Tuesday, a protest mirroring demonstrations across the country, drew in hundreds of students. An encampment grew on the north end of Northrup Mall, which the university said is against state law and university policy. Nine people were arrested for trespassing.
Ethan Roberts is the Deputy Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council. He said some Jewish students that walk past the graffiti on campus feel unsafe.
“Most of it is hateful,” said Roberts, looking at the wall of graffiti. “None of this messaging is advocating for peace. None of this messaging is advocating for shared peace with Israel and Palestine.
A smaller group of students condemning Israel’s attack on Palestine gathered in front of Coffman once again Wednesday. They later walked into the building for a "die-in," and as of Wednesday afternoon, said they had plans to revive the encampment.
Adam Abu was one of the organizers for the protest and part of Students for Justine in Palestine.
“We’re asking the U to divest from weapon manufacturing companies,” said Abu, who is Palestinian. “We always advocate for peace. We have a large amount of support.”
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