Pro-Palestinian students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have taken over parts of the campus to protest the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas. Students demanding action from the university administration regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The protest, which started on Library Mall, has now turned into an illegally encampment with barriers, tailgating, tents, Palestinian flags, and of course their demands. This all comes during the end of the semester and finals upcoming.
Students for Justice in Palestine released their list of demands from the university.
- “Divest from occupation, borders, and prisons from Palestine to Teejop, by divesting from all companies on the AFSC list
- “Disclose all of UW Foundation’s investments.
- “Cut all ties with Israeli institutions, including the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund, Mosse Graduate Exchange Fellowship, and study abroad programs in Israel.
- “Call for an immediate & permanent ceasefire to end the ongoing genocide, and an end to the siege on Gaza.
- “Get cops off campus.
- “Stop the land grabs and cease expansion, in order to house our community.”
Despite setting up an encampment on the grounds of the university, no arrests have been made. However, reports from the protest in Madison indicate that the crowd chanted slogans such as “From the river to the sea,” a mantra that some interpret as a call for the elimination of Israel. Additionally, signs reading “Divest from genocide” and “Be free Palestine” were carried by some in the crowd.
Governor Evers has said calling in the National Guard is off the table, but at some point, the encampments on campus ground will have to go, whether it’s done voluntarily or not, action will be taken.
