Pro-Palestine Protesters Storm University of Minnesota: A Clash of Ideals

In a dramatic turn of events, authorities arrested 13 pro-Palestine protesters who took over Morrill Hall at the University of Minnesota on Monday evening. This peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into a standoff that drew both local law enforcement and media attention.

The Occupation Begins

The protest commenced around 4 p.m. when demonstrators, organized by the University’s Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) chapter, marched from Coffman Union to Morrill Hall. They barricaded the building using a mix of:

• Metal tables and chairs
• Bike racks
• Wooden pallets

Protesters locked the doors with bike locks, restricting access to the administrative offices within, including that of University President Rebecca Cunningham. Inside, chaos ensued as windows were smashed and filing cabinets were repurposed into barricades.

Law Enforcement Response

At approximately 5:40 p.m., University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) entered the building, supported by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. A Minnesota Daily journalist, donning a press vest, was briefly detained during the operation. The police declared the area safe and began making arrests shortly after their entry.

The Motivation Behind the Protest

The SDS organized the demonstration to voice their opposition against the University’s investment policies concerning Israel and arms companies. Members renamed Morrill Hall to "Halimy Hall," in honor of 19-year-old Palestinian TikTok creator Medo Halimy, who tragically lost his life in an Israeli airstrike earlier this year.

Sasmit Rahman, an SDS member present at the protest, expressed the urgency of their cause, stating, “Our fight is just, and the consequences we face here are nothing compared to what is happening in Gaza.” He also noted that several protesters were unaccounted for by the end of the evening.

Reactions from the University Community

Isabel Eguizabal, a member of the Young Democratic-Socialists of America (YDSA), chose not to participate in the occupation, citing concerns over logistics but praised the bravery of those involved. “This will not concretely win divestment,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for a long-term campaign for change.

Calvin Phillips, vice president of student affairs, was observed monitoring the protest from a distance, seemingly in support of the students’ right to express their views.

A History of Tensions

Earlier this year, the University reached an agreement with the Minnesota Divestment Coalition, which includes the SDS and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), to disclose its investments in Israel. Recently, the University also announced plans to sponsor tuition for three Gazan students in the upcoming spring semester.

What’s Next?

The SDS labeled this protest as a “No homecoming as usual” march, shifting focus to the dire conditions in Northern Gaza while criticizing the University administration for being more concerned with protest logistics than the humanitarian crisis unfolding abroad. With the University tightening its protest guidelines, including limiting attendance to 100 participants and restricting the use of bullhorns, the tension between student activism and administration policies remains palpable.

This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.

What do you think?

• Do you believe protests like this are effective in creating change?
• Should universities intervene in political protests happening on their campuses?
• Is it justified for students to occupy administrative buildings for their causes?
• What role should student organizations play in campus governance?
• How do you feel about the University of Minnesota's investment policies regarding Israel?