MINNEAPOLIS — Protests supporting Gaza and the people of Palestine continue to pop up across the country and are growing in size. That is certainly true at the University of Minnesota.
On Monday and then again Tuesday, the university sent out a notice it would be closing a dozen buildings that surround the location of demonstrations due to safety concerns including Coffman Student Union and Walter Library.
"We anticipate protests will continue on campus in the coming days and want to reiterate our commitment to freedom of expression through public discourse, including the right to peacefully and lawfully protest," University leaders wrote in an email sent to students and staff Monday.
In effort to learn more about the University's decision to close the buildings during finals, KARE 11's Morgan Wolfe requested an interview with the interim President. A University spokesperson told her no one was available for an interview on Tuesday.
KARE 11's Morgan Wolfe emailed all 12 of the University of Minnesota Regents for a comment on the developing situation and only heard back from one.
"I acknowledge the frustration of the students and their parents as our students are trying to wrap up their finals. I totally acknowledge that with them but also consider the safety of everyone to be important, " University of Minnesota Regent Mary Turner said.
Roughly 150 students gathered on the lawn of the Northrup Mall beginning at 2 p.m. Monday. Students for Justice in Palestine member Omar Ali said the group has been corresponding with the U for 7 months about their concerns. The protests began April 23 in support of Palestinian civilians caught up in Israel's war with Hamas. Many protesters are calling for the university to divest in entities known to do business with Israel.
"It's our job to make it clear that it's a peaceful protest," Ali said.
The UMN Divest Coalition also turned up the heat on U of M administrators by establishing a new "permanent" encampment on Northrop Mall, with demonstrators setting up tents, cooking facilities, chairs and other items necessary for an extended stay. Organizers say the encampment will remain until the university meets six specific demands. They are:
- DIVEST: Divest from all companies complicit in war crimes, genocide and human rights violations - including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and others.
- BAN: Ban Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, General Dynamics and their subsidiaries from hosting workshops and recruiting on campus starting with Fall 2024 Career Fair.
- BOYCOTT: Complete academic divestment from militarized Israeli institutions that are currently aiding the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
- DISCLOSE: Complete transparency with students, staff and faculty about University investments and spending.
- THAWABIT: Release a statement in support of UMN’s Palestinian student body and recognize the inviolable national rights of the Palestinian people, the Thawabit.
- AMNESTY: Amnesty for all students, staff, community, and faculty in the movement for Palestinian liberation.
"I don't really care that they're protesting. They have a right to do that and it's not an issue with me," said second year student Max Smith. "It's just literally the fact they closed the library. It's the most popular study spot on campus."
Here is the email sent out by the U of M in its entirety.
"Dear students, faculty, and staff,
We anticipate protests will continue on campus in the coming days and want to reiterate our commitment to freedom of expression through public discourse, including the right to peacefully and lawfully protest. It is not only protected by the First Amendment but also a core value of the University of Minnesota. The University is committed to protecting the rights and wellbeing of all members of our community.
To ensure the safety of those who work and study on our campus, we plan to close buildings along the Northrop Mall on the East Bank area of campus at 2 p.m. today. Other East Bank buildings may move to U Card access only. Building updates will be communicated via SAFE-U messages. Refer to those notifications for more information.
Classes scheduled in the affected buildings after 2 p.m. should be moved to remote delivery or rescheduled to another location. Reduced operations will apply to only those employees impacted by these access changes and they should work remotely if possible. Please watch for follow-up messages from the Provost’s Office and Office of Human Resources for more information. For others, please carry your U Card with you at all times.
We recognize that with freedom of expression comes responsibility. Protesters are expected to uphold the safety of others, not interfere with normal campus operations, and adhere to student and employee conduct policies. We urge everyone who engages to remain nonviolent, peaceful, and follow both state laws and University policies, including restrictions prohibiting tents and encampments on campus. Discriminatory vandalism and defacements such as stickers and graffiti—some of which promote violence—are hurtful to many and violate University and Twin Cities campus policies.
The University unequivocally condemns vandalism, threatening behavior, and acts of violence, and these will not be tolerated on our campus. Such behavior not only undermines the principles of public discourse and respect for others, but also jeopardizes the safety and wellbeing of our community. All members of our community are encouraged to use the Bias Response and Referral Network to report incidents of harassment, bias, and discrimination.
Together let us continue to uphold a community that supports and values nonviolent, peaceful, and lawful protest, kindness, and safety for all.
Sincerely,
Rachel Croson
Executive Vice President and Provost
Ken Horstman
Vice President for Human Resources
Calvin Phillips
Vice President for Student Affairs"
A first encampment set up early the morning of April 23 was swept by U of M campus police in what the Divest Coalition calls "an act of political repression." University officials say officers responded after receiving reports that protestors had set up tents and created an encampment on the north end of Northrup Mall, a direct violation of U of M policy.
"Tents are not allowed on any University property for any purpose without a permit," the U said after protestors were dispersed and the encampment taken down. "In addition, Public Safety has not allowed any encampments, tents, fires, or other types of encampment living arrangements on any University properties or in buildings. The group was asked to disperse by 7 a.m. and told they would be arrested if they chose to stay past that time."
Six students and one faculty member arrested last Tuesday for trespassing at the University of Minnesota during a protest have now been notified that the allegations have been rescinded.
The protests in Minnesota come after more than 100 demonstrators were arrested at Columbia University last week, including 5th District Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi.
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