University of Michigan Pro-Palestinian protesters demand university divest from companies funding Israeli military operations in latest demonstration
Ann Arbor — A group of hundreds of protesters gathered outside the University of Michigan’s administration building on Friday, demanding that the university stop investing in companies that fund military operations in Israel. The demonstration was organized by the Palestinian advocacy group Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE) in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The protesters chanted slogans, waved banners, and used megaphones to voice their demands. They focused their efforts on urging university President Santa Ono to divest from companies that they claim are complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people. The group’s social media posts during the protest underscored their persistence in seeking a meeting with university officials to address their concerns.
However, university spokesman Rick Fitzgerald reported that the building had been safely evacuated after a group of protesters forcibly entered the locked Ruthven Administration Building. Several law enforcement agencies, including UM Police, Michigan State Police, Ann Arbor Police, and others, were present at the scene.
The protest comes in the wake of tensions on campus over the Israel-Hamas conflict. The university’s response to the conflict has also raised questions, with some students pointing out what they see as double standards. In March, the university announced that it would divest from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The protesters argue that similar actions should be taken in response to the conflict in Palestine.
The protest has elicited contrasting emotions from members of the university community. For some, the ongoing conflict hits close to home, while others fear anti-Semitic sentiment on campus.
In recent months, the university has struggled to navigate the complex and deeply emotional discussions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The tension and heightened emotions have been felt by many students, faculty, and staff, challenging the university to address these sensitive issues while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the community.