University of Minnesota students advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza continued their protest encampment into Tuesday morning, marking the first time authorities have refrained from dispersing them since demonstrations began a week ago.
The students began gathering at the University around 2 p.m. on Monday and remained camped out throughout the night.
Late on Monday night, protesters chanted and formed a human chain around their encampment outside the student union.
Although police issued an order to disperse, the protesters remained in place.
“We’ve been informed that MPD (Minneapolis Police Department) has no intention of dispersing our encampment, and the university is attempting to pressure them to intervene,” according to reports by Fae the protest organizer. “This is a significant victory for us because we’re exerting considerable pressure on the university.”
Fae mentioned that the group was offered a 30-minute meeting with the university president. Despite feeling “disrespected” by the offer, they plan to attend the meeting, Fae stated.
On Monday, the university shut down 13 buildings in preparation for the latest round of pro-Palestinian protests.
“The escalated police presence, particularly today, with UMN (University of Minnesota) locking down half of East Bank, has further motivated students to participate,” said protester Emily. “With classes canceled in these buildings, many students joined the large protest happening in front of Coffman Union.”
Protesters at the University are demanding a cease-fire in Gaza and for the university to discontinue business relationships with companies supporting the Israeli military.
The University of Minnesota is one of several schools in the Twin Cities area where students have organized pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Over the weekend, Hamline University students held their latest protest. St. Olaf College students have another rally planned for Tuesday.
Since February, Macalester College students have been protesting, and on Tuesday, they will hold an art event in support of Palestinians.
Similar protests have emerged across college campuses in recent weeks, resulting in numerous arrests.
Overnight, protesters occupied Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall, the same building seized during anti-Vietnam War protests in 1968.
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likened the protests to rallies in Nazi Germany.
The demonstrations at the University have unsettled many Jewish students, who fear that the rhetoric used by protesters could lead to violence.
Emily assured WCCO that the protesters “aim to create a safe environment for all individuals here.”
“We have designated prayer time for Muslims daily, and we have invited Jewish Voices for Peace to hold Jewish religious events during Passover,” Emily added. “Our goal is to foster an inclusive and secure environment for everyone.”
A former University staff member is suing the school after alleging that she was terminated for posting a pro-Palestinian message on Instagram.
According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, more than 34,000 Palestinians have died since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Last week, President Joe Biden signed a $26.4 billion aid package for Israel.
