Authorities have pressed charges against nine individuals accused of trespassing or resisting police during the dismantling of a pro-Palestinian camp at the University of Michigan in May. Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized that the First Amendment does not shield unlawful behavior. Charges were formally filed in Washtenaw County months after the camp was dispersed on the Diag, a location recognized for hosting campus demonstrations throughout the years. Police dispersed the camp on May 21, using what seemed to be an irritant to disperse individuals, who were compelled to withdraw.
The university cited safety concerns as grounds for dismantling the camp, highlighting issues such as overloaded power sources and open flames. Two individuals face misdemeanor charges for trespassing, while an additional seven individuals are confronted with charges of both trespassing and resisting arrest, categorized as a felony.
Protesters at the camp had been advocating for the cessation of the university’s endowment investments in companies linked to Israel. However, the university refuted direct investments in such companies, disclosing that less than $15 million, equivalent to less than 0.1% of the total endowment, was allocated to funds that might indirectly involve Israeli companies. In a separate incident, two individuals are facing charges related to activities during a counter-demonstration that took place on April 25, a few days following the establishment of the camp.
Nessel also mentioned that investigations are ongoing regarding spring protests conducted at the residences of elected members of the university’s governing board.