Police dispersed a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Michigan following recent disruptive activities on campus. The encampment, located at the Diag, a historic site for campus protests, was dismantled by officers wearing protective gear.
Video footage showed police using what appeared to be an irritant to disperse individuals who were present at the encampment. The action was taken due to safety concerns, including overloaded power sources and open flames, as well as the organizers' refusal to comply with safety directives.
University officials, including President Santa Ono, expressed that the encampment had violated campus rules and posed a threat to safety. The encampment had been set up in late April and had led to the closure of nearby buildings, disrupting normal campus activities.
Protesters at the encampment had demanded divestment from companies with ties to Israel, a demand that the university stated was not feasible due to minimal investments in such companies. The university clarified that less than 0.1% of its total endowment was indirectly linked to companies in Israel.
Recent protests at the university escalated when demonstrators targeted the homes of school officials, including placing fake body bags on a board member's lawn. The incidents raised concerns about safety and the impact of the protests on the community.
Similar protests have been reported at other universities across the country, with tensions running high over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Encampments and demonstrations have led to arrests and disruptions on various campuses, prompting university administrations to take action to restore normalcy.
Drexel University in Philadelphia also faced a similar situation, with an encampment disrupting campus activities and prompting virtual classes. University officials emphasized the need to maintain order and address disruptions caused by the encampment.
