Pro-Palestinian protest at Univ. of Minnesota: Dispersal order given

UMN protest: Dispersal order given

Tensions at a pro-Palestine encampment set up at the University of Minnesota have risen Monday night as university officials have ordered them to leave.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Tensions at a pro-Palestine encampment set up at the University of Minnesota rose Monday night as university officials ordered protesters to leave.

A dispersal order was given shortly after 9 p.m.

Afterward, protesters formed a wall around the encampment site and began chanting and beating drums. Among the calls, protesters have used the controversial "From the river to the sea…" chant.

FOX 9 has not seen any use of force by police as of 9:30 p.m. Protesters also indicated they weren't expecting any immediate arrests.

Pro-Palestinian demonstration, encampment continue

The University of Minnesota closed buildings on Monday as a pro-Palestinian group announced it would escalate protests on campus this week. FOX 9’s Babs Santos spoke with those currently onsite.

Earlier in the day

The University of Minnesota closed buildings on Monday as a pro-Palestinian group announced it would escalate protests on campus this week.

In a safety alert, the university said Monday afternoon it would close the following buildings at 2 p.m. – the same time protests were set to begin:

Coffman Union
Weisman Museum
Hasselmo Hall
Ford Hall
Vincent Murphy Hall
Tate Lab
Morrill Hall
Northrop Auditorium
Johnston Hall
Walter Library
Smith Hall
Kolthoff Hall

In online posts, activists, who are calling for the university to end any investments linked to Israel, say they will be increasing its protesting efforts this week.

"We appreciate our community's support over the last week, and we are calling on students especially," a post from UMN Divest reads. "As well as support from faculty, young people, and community across the Twin Cities to join us in this student movement for escalations to come starting Monday and all of next week."

The group is urging protesters to bring tents, extra clothing, and sleeping accommodations, among other equipment. Last week, a tent encampment on campus was cleared.

While nine people were arrested last week as the encampment was cleared, the protests at the University of Minnesota have remained largely uneventful.

However, citing concerns about protests at other universities across the country, Rep. Tom Emmer sent a letter last week, questioning how the university will respond to escalating protests and what is being done to protect and support Jewish students, amid concerns about antisemitism on campus.

In a letter to the campus, Interim President Jeff Ettinger encouraged anyone who experiences acts of discrimination or bias on campus to report it online. At the same time, the university said it would respect people who exercise their First Amendment rights – as long as they don't violate campus policy and the code of conduct.

Message on pro-Palestine protests sent to University of Minnesota community

The following letter was emailed to the campus community by U of M leaders on Monday:

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

Columbia University updates: Deadline to vacate passes

Pro-Palestinian protesters encamped at Columbia University in tents were told to vacate by 2 p.m. Monday or risk suspension, according to a letter distributed to students.

A spokesperson for Columbia confirmed the letter had gone out to students but declined to comment further, according to the Associated Press.

Student demonstrators occupy the pro-Palestinian "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on the West Lawn of Columbia University on April 29, 2024 in New York City. Student demonstrators at Columbia University, the epicenter of pro-Palestinian protests that hav

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The letter contained a form requiring students to sign their commitment to abide by university policies through June 2025 or an earlier graduation, they can finish the semester in good standing. If not, the letter said, they would be suspended, pending further investigation.

From Columbia University President Nemat Shafik testifying before Congress, to students returning Monday with tents to the NYC campus, here's a timeline on how we got here.

The warning comes after Columbia President Minouche Shafik said the university 'will not divest from Israel' in a statement made this morning.

University of Texas updates: Protesters taken into custody after dispersal order

Pro-Palestine protesters have gathered once again on the University of Texas at Austin campus. Dozens of protesters have been seen taken into custody.

The University of Texas at Austin Police Department has issued a dispersal order as protesters are gathering on the South Mall. After the dispersal order was issued, law enforcement began removing the encampments set up on the South Mall and arresting several protesters one by one.