Law enforcement officials arrested at least 12 individuals on Wednesday morning at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as they dismantled a campus encampment. The university reported that several people resisted arrest during the operation, and it remains unclear how many of them are affiliated with the school.
The encampment, located at the Madison campus, was found to be in violation of school policy and a state law enacted by the legislature that restricts certain activities on campus. Despite the crackdown, one tent reportedly remains at the university's Library Mall, indicating that the protest is still ongoing as of Wednesday morning.
UW-Madison student Lindsay Dubin expressed her support for the university's actions, stating that even if individuals find the laws unjust, civil disobedience entails accepting the consequences of breaking them. Dubin emphasized the importance of upholding policies and laws that protect students, highlighting the need for accountability among adults in a college setting.
The university assured that there is no immediate safety threat and that operations will continue as usual. However, the University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD) will maintain a presence on the ground to ensure that any ongoing protests are conducted safely and peacefully.