The State News is covering the ongoing Gaza solidarity encampment campus protest. This report will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Update — 4 p.m.
MSU spokesperson Emily Guerrant said “all indications” point to the Board of Trustees approving the student protestors’ permit request.
“All indications are it’s going to be approved,” Guerrant said. “I don’t anticipate any problems, and I’m sure that will happen in the next couple of hours.”
Guerrant added that the pending decision is mainly concerned with the size of the demonstration and ensuring that demonstrators are aware of relevant safety information. Additionally, Guerrant said the Gaza solidarity encampment is the first time “on record” that students have used the permit request process for a political demonstration.
“(The board is) reviewing it, they didn’t seem to have any major concerns,” Guerrant said. “They were just double checking a couple of safety parameters they want to be communicated.”
Update — 2:30 p.m.
Student leaders have established a set of rules governing the Gaza solidarity encampment behind Wells Hall.
The rules ask broadly that students “practice kindness” and treat the encampment like a commune.
“Give what you can and take what you need,” the rules say.
