Live updates: MSU president says university will determine whether Gaza solidarity camp can continue
The State News is covering the ongoing Gaza solidarity encampment campus protest. This report will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Update — 12:30 p.m.
MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz visited the Gaza solidarity encampment behind Wells Hall and spoke to protestors.
He addressed concerns that the student activists’ tents and signage would be removed by MSU Police, telling them his administration will review their permit request and decide whether the encampment can continue.
“It’s gonna go through our process,” he told The State News after his discussion with students. “I support them petitioning to be able to have the encampment.”
The student activists pushed Guskiewicz on their demand that the university divest from an Israeli bond and stock portfolios they say fund weapons manufacturing.
He deferred to MSU’s Board of Trustees, which he said is “reviewing our investment and endowment policies.”
The board, however, said earlier this month that it will not consider “divestment of any kind.”
Update — 11:45 a.m.
If the protesters want to stay in the courtyard, they will need to apply for a permit which will be reviewed by MSU’s Board of Trustees, said Vice President of Communications Emily Guerrant.
