Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to take down a two-week-old pro-Palestinian encampment under an agreement reached with university officials. The encampment had been allowed to stand on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary. While the school chose not to involve the police in removing the protesters, the same approach was not taken at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to break down similar encampments in early May. After unsuccessful negotiations initially, an agreement was eventually reached to dismantle the camp voluntarily before commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated that the university had demonstrated patience and restraint in dealing with the protesters, but also indicated that time was running out and that action might be taken. The agreement with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition included the university joining calls for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, denouncing the destruction of schools in Gaza by Israeli forces, and meeting with protest leaders to address concerns about university investments. Additionally, the university agreed to encourage the Water Council in Milwaukee to sever ties with Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority, of which Mr. Mone serves as treasurer on the Water Council’s board.
In exchange for the university’s concessions, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment starting on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also pledged not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies on Sunday. The protesters acknowledged the agreement and stated that they had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment through hard-fought negotiations and careful consideration. This resolution marks the end of the standoff between the protesters and university officials at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, allowing both parties to move forward and potentially address the underlying issues through future dialogue and collaboration.
The decision to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee brings an end to a demonstration that had been ongoing for two weeks. The university’s willingness to negotiate with the protesters and reach a peaceful resolution contrasts with the use of police force to dismantle similar encampments at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The agreement reached between the university and the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition included commitments from both parties to address concerns and take specific actions, such as calling for a cease-fire and denouncing the destruction of schools in Gaza.
Chancellor Mark Mone emphasized the university’s efforts to exercise patience and restraint while also warning that action might be taken if the situation continued unresolved. The agreement to dismantle the encampment and refrain from disrupting commencement ceremonies demonstrates a willingness from both the protesters and the university to work towards a peaceful resolution. By acknowledging the benefits gained from the encampment and concluding the demonstration, both parties can now focus on future engagement and collaboration to address the larger issues at hand.
The resolution of the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee reflects a balance between respecting the protesters’ rights to demonstrate and ensuring the university’s ability to maintain order on campus. By reaching an agreement that addresses the concerns of the protesters and the university, a peaceful conclusion was reached that allows both parties to move forward. The involvement of the Water Council and Mr. Mone’s role in encouraging the severing of ties with Israeli entities highlights the broader impact and implications of the protests on campus and within the community. Ultimately, the agreement reached serves as a model for peaceful conflict resolution and cooperation between university officials and protesters.
