ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A group of University of Michigan students is hosting a campout in solidarity with Gaza on campus.
“We will take up space, you can’t shut us down,” said a Jewish student, who didn’t want to be named, citing fears for his safety.
The campout began Monday (April 23).
Demonstrators are calling for the university to divest from Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war.
“We are here to stop the genocide of anyway possible. The most material impact that we can have is to sever all ties between the university and its finances to the apartheid state of Israel,” the student said, who didn’t want to be identified.
Colleen Mastony, the University of Michigan’s assistant vice president for public affairs, said the university is monitoring the situation.
“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,” Mastony said in a statement.
She also responded to calls for divestment.
“The university has had a policy in place for nearly 20 years that shields the university’s investments from political pressures,” Mastony said.
Michigan Hillel board members said tensions are running high on campus.
“Definitely scary. It’s kind of terrifying that this pops up on our campus,” Michigan Hillel VP of Engagement Jack Landstein said.
Some Jewish students said they’re concerned about what they’re hearing and seeing at the encampment and other pro-Palestine demonstrations.
“We are all here for Jewish students during these times, especially because it’s Passover. We are hosting meals. We are there to support students in whatever way they need, especially if they are upset about what’s going on on campus,” Michigan Hillel President Ryan Silberfein said.