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Pro-Palestine encampment calls on UM to divest from Israel
Competing protests began to grow at the center of the University of Michigan's campus as the TAHRIR Coalition called on the school to divest in Israeli assets it argued helped the school profit from war instead of funding education. However, the encampment at the Diag in Ann Arbor wasn't the only group that was represented.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (FOX 2) - At the Diag in Ann Arbor, in the center of the University of Michigan's campus, a microcosm of a larger source of tension and disagreement over Israel, Palestine, and where educational institutions fall played out Monday.
An encampment of green tents and opponents of the school's investment in Israel was set up at the beginning of the week as students sought to push the city to divest. Banners reading "Encampment for Gaza! Divest now!" were spread out around the venue.
One graduate worker said students were occupying the space because "instead of funding education, instead of funding living wages for every worker, the university is choosing to fund war."
The activist, like many others stationed at the Diag, wore face masks and chose to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety.
"As long as resistance to Israel and resistance to the occupation has existed, Zionist have sought to dodge and harass and use violence against activists and organizers," said another participant.
But they weren't the only students on campus arguing they felt unsafe.
"It’s just upsetting that on the first night of Passover right before we wake up to an encampment and I can’t walk in a certain part of campus that I used to be able to go to and calling it home does get tougher." said Jack Landstein, UM Student and vice president of engagement at Michigan Hillel.
TAHRIR Coaltion, the organization behind the encampment, argued the school commits over $6 billion to investment managers that have profited from investments in "Israeli" companies and military contractors.
"Regarding the calls for divestment, the university has had a policy in place for nearly 20 years that shields the university's investments from political pressures. Much of the money invested through the university’s endowment, for example, is donor funding given to provide long-term financial support for designated purposes," according to a statement from U-M. "The Board of Regents reaffirmed its position earlier this year."
Along with the activists, campus police were also spotted at the Diag.
"Students are able to engage in peaceful protest in many places on campus and, at the same time, the university has a responsibility to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and academic success. No one has the right to substantially disrupt university activities or to violate laws or university policies. We are working to minimize disruptions to university operations – most especially with classes ending tomorrow and the study period beginning before finals," according to the university. "Safety is always a key priority and, as such, we have increased security on campus. We are carefully monitoring the situation and remain prepared to appropriately address any harassment or threats against any member of our community."
The Anti-Defamation League chapter in Michigan also released a statement which read:
"We call on U-M officials to enforce policies and ensure that inflammatory protests do not interfere with students’ academic experiences."
Organizers say they won't back down and leave the Diag until the school fully divests.
"We’re not moving so come talk with us. Let's talk meaningfully about divestment," said one activist.