Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee agreed to take down a pro-Palestinian encampment that had been set up for two weeks following an agreement reached with school officials. The encampment, which was believed to be the last one standing at a Wisconsin college, will be removed by Tuesday. Unlike the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to break down tents after negotiations failed, officials at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee chose not to involve law enforcement initially.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated that the university had shown great patience and restraint in allowing the encampment to remain on campus. However, he also warned that patience was wearing thin and that action might be taken if necessary. The agreement with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition includes the university supporting a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, denouncing the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and meeting with protest leaders to address concerns about university investments.
As part of the agreement, the university pledged to encourage the Water Council, a Milwaukee consortium of water technology companies, to sever ties with two Israeli government-owned entities – Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Mr. Mone, who is the treasurer of the Water Council’s board of directors, played a key role in this aspect of the agreement. In return, protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment starting on Sunday and finishing by Tuesday, as well as refraining from disrupting the university’s commencement ceremonies on Sunday.
The protesters, in a statement, confirmed their acceptance of the agreement after careful consideration and revisions. They acknowledged that they had achieved all possible benefits from the encampment and decided it was time to take it down. The university’s willingness to engage in dialogue and address the protesters’ concerns about investments and ties with Israeli government-owned entities played a significant role in reaching a resolution to end the encampment peacefully.
Overall, the agreement between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition demonstrates the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and compromise in resolving conflicts peacefully. The university’s commitment to supporting a cease-fire and denouncing violence in Gaza, as well as addressing protesters’ concerns about investments and ties with Israeli entities, shows a willingness to listen and work towards understanding and solutions. The decision to peacefully remove the encampment following the agreement highlights the power of communication and negotiation in achieving a positive outcome for all parties involved.
