MADISON (WKOW) -- Leaders with the University of Wisconsin-Madison have issued a statement regarding a pro-Palestinian protest that lasted nearly all of Monday on Library Mall.
The statement is signed by Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, Provost Charles Isbell, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion LaVar Charleston and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Robert Cramer.
In part, it reads, "UW–Madison is committed to protecting the right to free expression, including protest, within the boundaries of state law and campus policies. Within the time, place and manner restrictions defined by law, students and other members of our community may assemble, carry signs, chant, march, and make speeches to give voice to issues they deem important. Peaceful protest is a hallmark of UW–Madison history."
According to a UW spokesperson, Reesor is meeting with protest organizers Monday night. The University asked students to comply with campus policy and state law by taking down their tents, but several tents remained in place.
Students were on Library Mall for nearly 12 hours with signs and flags as they demand six things from the University.
- Divest from companies benefiting from the war
- Disclose all of UW Foundation's investments
- Cut all ties with Israeli institutions
- Call for an immediate ceasefire
- Get cops off campus
- Stop the land grabs and cease expansion
Hundreds of people were in attendance, including community members, students and staff.
"It's incredibly meaningful, and it makes such a strong statement. You know, the American people and specifically young people are sick and tired of our institutions supporting violence, supporting genocide, and allowing this these atrocities to continue. And I think that we see this super strong in Madison today," demonstrator Dahlia Saba said.
Pro-Palestinian protests have been happening at college campuses across the United States. Some have gotten unruly with antisemitic slurs and vandalism but protest organizers in Madison say the space they're creating is about justice, life and dignity for all people.
"Let me be very, very clear that supporting Palestine wanting the genocide to end is not antisemitic. All identities, all backgrounds should be supporting that. Like you're just out here advocating for basic human rights. At the end of the day, we are asking that we know where money is going and that it's not going towards killing children. And that should be something everyone can get behind," demonstrator Abbie Klein said.
Students tell 27 News they will stay on Library Mall until the University meets their demands.
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