KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Administrators at West Michigan University in Kalamazoo said they'll meet with student demonstrators who have been camping on campus in protest over the Israel-Hamas war.
Some student protesters are demanding the university distance themselves from investment in companies that support Israel's military efforts in Gaza.
Demonstrators who had gathered near Faunce Student Services were gone Wednesday morning.
WMU said student demonstrators and school leaders reached an agreement late Tuesday to meet later this week.
A few signs and sidewalk chalk writing were all that was left of the protest on the campus.
"Free Gaza," "How much of your money went to genocide," "WMU teaches genocide," Free Palestine," and other similar writings could be seen on the sidewalk Wednesday morning.
You can read WMU's full statement here:
"In a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect, Western Michigan University and student Gaza demonstrators reached an agreement late Tuesday to convene this week for conversation about concerns raised by the student demonstrators.
WMU leaders appreciate that student demonstrators have removed unauthorized tents from campus and have complied with University procedures regarding reserving outdoor space by submitting a request form. This process also enables formally requesting the use of temporary structures on campus.
The University remains committed to free speech and respects the rights of individuals and groups to demonstrate on campus but does not support unauthorized tents and camping overnight on campus. WMU’s procedures are designed to protect and preserve the well-being of all members of the campus community as well as its facilities so the University can effectively pursue its educational mission.
WMU administration values the opportunity to listen to the student demonstrators and looks forward to a productive and respectful dialogue in the upcoming meeting. WMU remains committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can be expressed and heard."
Student groups across the country have set up similar encampments, like at Columbia University, NYU and Yale. Those taking part have faced arrest and punishment from the universities.
Students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have been camped out on the Diag. In East Lansing, students camped out for a few days on the campus of Michigan State University to call on the administration to divest funds from Israel.
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