MSU students set up encampment to pressure university to divest from Israel

Michigan State University students joined students across the nation in setting up an encampment on campus Thursday to pressure the university to divest in Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The students said they were negotiating with campus police, who informed them that the encampment violated university policies. About 25 tents were set up in the People's Park, between Wells Hall and the MSU International Center.

But students said they planned to stay at the site in solidarity with Palestinians until MSU divests in Israel.

"I am willing to continue my fight and advocacy and I am hoping the university chooses to honor Spartan values rather than silence us," said Saba Saed, an MSU student with the MSU Arab Culture Society. "It's very important for us to stand in solidarity with anyone that is going through a genocide. Second, it's the Spartan thing for me to do ... it's true to our values. Most importantly, I want us to not be funding into apartheid and genocide and to stand our ground."

The MSU board has an ordinance preventing camping on campus property unless camping is tied to an official campus event, university spokeswoman Emily Guerrant said. A permit can be sought, but without one violations are subject to a misdemeanor citation. MSU police made organizers aware of the permit requirement and organizers are believed to be seeking one, Guerrant added.

“The students are exercising their First Amendment rights and free speech rights, which we fully support,” Guerrant said. “It has been very peaceful.”

But Robyn Hughey, executive director of the Hillel Jewish Student Center at MSU, called the encampments "deeply concerning and problematic."

"Students have a right to protest, but they do not have the right to intimidate or threaten Jewish students," Hughey said. "Our most important priority is keeping Jewish students safe — first, foremost, and always. The university has indicated that the protesters will be required to obtain a permit from the Board of Trustees to continue their encampment. It is my hope that the board and administration will enforce the universities own ordinances as it continues to balance safety with free speech."

The MSU encampment comes as students were taking final exams and more than 10,000 students were preparing to graduate, with commencement ceremonies beginning Friday. It also comes as Jews are in the midst of celebrating the seven-day Passover holiday, which began Monday at sundown.

It is the second encampment this week to pop up on a Michigan university campus. Students at University of Michigan set up dozens of tents on the Diag on Monday, held a rally and said they would not leave university officials divest in companies with ties to Israel.

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