What do the University of Miami protesters want? What did the university say? What there is to know

Over the past week, universities across the country have been at the center of pro-Palestinian protests in which students have held marches and encampments to show solidarity to end Israel’s war in Gaza.

In Ohio, protests have been reported at Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University and, most recently, Miami University in Oxford. The protest began Thursday evening with a march and ended with an encampment at Seal University, located in the heart of campus, outside Roudebush Hall.

Here’s everything we know about the protest Friday evening:

Are protests allowed at the University of Miami?

Students are allowed to demonstrate and march in outdoor spaces on campus. However, demonstrations cannot disrupt teaching, research or previously scheduled events.

Are non-students protesting?

University of Miami Students for Justice in Palestine, a student group that describes itself on social media as connected to the university, organized the pro-Palestinian march and encampment. They were also joined by the university chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, according to a university release.

Under university rules, non-students can only protest on campus sidewalks designated by Miami and must adhere to the same rules as staff and students.

What are the demonstrators demanding?

According to a statement from Students for Justice in Palestine, the protest aims to demand that the University of Miami disclose and divest its funds from companies involved in “perpetuating this genocide.”

Specifically, they want the university to stop investing in companies that do business with Israel.

“Miami students are coming together in solidarity to demand that our university disclose and divest its funds derived from the extremist Israeli genocide of the Palestinians,” the statement read.

The student group met with University of Miami President Gregory Crawford on Wednesday, a day before Thursday’s protest, to present their demands for disclosure and divestment. However, their efforts were mostly unsuccessful, according to the Students for Justice in Palestine statement.

What did the university say?

Shortly after protesters set up camp Thursday, the University of Miami released a statement:

“The safety of our students is the University of Miami’s top priority, and this priority will guide the university’s actions during the current situation. Students for Justice for Palestine, a student organization, organized a march this evening (May 2) and was joined by young people. Democratic Socialists of America. As with any protest, university staff were present to ensure the safety of students and ensure university policy was followed. Unfortunately, participants chose not to follow university policy. Those present were informed that they were currently violating the policy. must comply. »

A number of protesters spent the night at the camp and some remained there as of Friday afternoon.

The university issued a second statement Friday, saying the student organizations that set up the unauthorized encampment have since complied with university policy.

“Encampments create the need to provide ongoing safety and security resources, which can divert these important resources from the rest of our community,” the statement said. “They can interfere with students’ ability to attend classes and prepare for exams and can strain the resources and facilities of nearby buildings. We continue to prioritize the support and care of all our Students Throughout this year, members of our Student Life Staff are in regular contact with students and student organizations to discuss their concerns and support their well-being.

What can’t protesters do?

Protesters are not allowed to use amplified sound, create temporary structures or leave literature behind. Miami also imposes safety measures, such as restrictions on campfires and outdoor camping.

Can the University of Miami Arrest Protesters?

Protests that block traffic or pedestrians, prevent access to a building or space, prevent use of a space for its intended purpose, or disrupt school activities could lead to arrest, Miami’s website states .

Was there opposition to the demonstration?

Enquirer media partner Fox19 reported that a group of Jewish students gathered in front of the encampment in opposition. As of Friday evening, no clashes had been reported between the opposing groups.

Hillel, a Jewish student group at the University of Miami, said in a statement on social media that it was aware of the protest and continued to support Jewish students.

“We hope that the protest will be peaceful and that Miami affiliates will avoid anti-Semitic comments and incidents that have occurred on other campuses,” the statement said. “Our top priority is the physical and emotional safety of our students, first and foremost and always.”

“While students have the right to protest, they do not have the right to intimidate or threaten Jewish and Israeli students – their classmates, their peers and, for some, their fellow Jews – who may have different points of view,” Hillel added in his statement.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What you need to know about the pro-Palestinian protests at Miami University in Ohio.