Charges filed after pro-Palestinian camp cleared at University of Michigan
- Nine individuals face charges for trespassing and resisting police during the May break-up of a pro-Palestinian camp at the University of Michigan.
- The camp was cleared due to safety concerns, with police using an irritant to disperse protesters.
- The incident has sparked discussions about the limits of free speech and the university's investment policies.
In May, a pro-Palestinian camp at the University of Michigan was dismantled by police after a month of occupation. Authorities cited safety concerns, including overloaded power sources and open flames, as reasons for the intervention. Video footage showed police using an irritant to disperse the crowd, leading to significant public outcry. Following the incident, charges were filed against nine individuals for trespassing and resisting police, highlighting the legal ramifications of the protest activities. Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized that the First Amendment does not protect illegal actions, reinforcing the state's stance on maintaining public order during demonstrations. Additionally, two individuals were charged for their involvement in a counter-demonstration that occurred shortly after the camp's establishment, indicating a broader context of tension surrounding the protests. The university has faced demands to divest from companies linked to Israel, although it maintains that its investments in such companies are minimal, constituting less than 0.1% of its total endowment. This situation reflects ongoing debates about free speech, protest rights, and the complexities of university investment policies in relation to political issues.