ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The pro-Palestinian encampment on the University of Michigan Diag was finally dismantled early Tuesday morning, May 21st, 29 days after it was erected. The encampment was set up by University of Michigan students advocating for Palestine and demanding the university to divest from Israel.
Escalation of behavior and disregard of rules by encampment members led to their removal.
The encampment, while mostly peaceful in nature while they were camped out on the Diag in their tents, intensified when members of the group protested on the lawns of the homes of two of the regents in what the university called a “serious escalation.”
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The protesters chanted loudly outside of the regents’ homes, set up tents, and positioned “body bags” and “bloodied” stuffed animals on their porches and lawns symbolizing Palestinians killed in Gaza.
Who was behind encampment?
Those claiming responsibility for the protests at the regents’ homes include the same groups who organized and were connected to the encampment at the Diag: Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP) at the University of Michigan, Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE) and the Transparency, Accountability, Humanity, Reparations, Investment, Resistance (TAHRIR) Coalition.
It was that escalation with the targeting of the regents in addition to graffiti, assaultive behavior towards police and other challenges that finally led the university to shut them down according to U-M President Santa Ono.
“Individuals are welcome to protest at the University of Michigan, provided they do not infringe on the rights of others and adhere to university safety policies,” Ono stated. “Violence or intimidation will not be tolerated, and individuals engaging in such behavior will be held accountable.”
Encampment shut down on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the university’s Division of Public Safety and Security, dressed in riot gear, began clearing the 200-person encampment around 5:45 a.m., according to the TAHRIR Coalition.
Protesters shared videos on social media showing officers using pepper spray to push the crowd towards North University Avenue. By 6:31 a.m., the Diag was cleared of protesters.
The TAHRIR Coalition, the main group behind the encampment, has been vocal about its demand for the university to divest from Israel, a stance that intensified following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7th.
The encampment’s removal came after the university’s fire marshal identified severe fire hazards that could potentially lead to a “catastrophic loss of life.”
Melissa Overton, a spokeswoman for University of Michigan police told the Detroit Free Press, “In recent days, encampment participants have also received numerous outreach attempts from U-M administrators and DPSS (Division of Public Safety and Security) leadership, asking them to leave.”
She went on to say. “The encampment posed safety risks, both to participants and the community at large, and its presence was in violation of multiple policies and regulations. Its removal was important to help maintain the safety and security of the U-M campus community.”
University president speaks.
According to a statement from University President Santa Ono, camp occupants were asked to remove barriers, avoid overloading power sources, and stop using open flames but refused to comply, necessitating the sweep. He said, “Ensuring that the campus is safe – for students, faculty, employees, university visitors, and protestors – is a paramount concern, which is why the university has provided 24-hour security for the encampment over the past four weeks.”
Ono continued to say, “Following a May 17 inspection by the university fire marshal, who determined that were a fire to occur, a catastrophic loss of life was likely, the fire marshal and Student Life leaders asked camp occupants to remove external camp barriers, refrain from overloading power sources, and stop using open flames. The protesters refused to comply with these requests. That forced the university to take action and this morning, we removed the encampment.”
Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib calls for resignation of U-M President Ono.
Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), who recently was reported to have paid $435,000 to a consulting firm that is led by an anti-Israeli activist who is tied to terrorism, called for the resignation of President Ono after the removal of the students, saying on X, “Spraying chemicals in the faces of the students you are supposed to protect is unforgivable. President Ono should resign.”
As the Diag was cleared, approximately 100 protesters continued to walk through Ann Arbor streets, gathering at Liberty Plaza. WXYZ Detroit said they were heard chanting “Anitifa” and “American revolution” and referred to themselves as “comrades.”
President Ono is scheduled to testify before Congress on May 23rd regarding Gaza encampments at U.S. universities.
