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Photo: waynelawsjp and sjpwsu
Pro-Palenstinian encampments on the Wayne State University campus prompted the school to announce Tuesday that it was resorting to remote classes. It also canceled on-campus events until further notice.
"WSU Alert: Due to an ongoing public safety issue, Wayne State will shift to remote operations effective immediately until further notice," the school tweeted on X.
The encampment first popped up on campus Thursday and comes at a time the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza rages on with endless false starts with the negotiations to try and swap Israeli hostages for a cease fire. The students are demanding that university divest itself from companies linked to Israel and the school cut ties with any Israel-related programs or relationships.
WSU Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) posted on Facebook Tuesday:
ATTENTION: Classes have been moved virtually for Tuesday because the opposition to our Gaza Solidarity Encampment do NOT want you to see the power of this movement for divestment and a free Palestine. ATTEND YOUR VIRTUAL CLASSES AT THE ENCAMPMENT. IF YOU ARE A STUDENT WHO DOES NOT HAVE SUMMER COURSES — VISIT THE ENCAMPMENT TODAY.
IF YOU ARE A PROFESSOR OR INSTRUCTOR ADVISED TO MOVE CLASSES VIRTUAL — WE INVITE YOU TO USE OUR SPACE FOR ATTENDANCE TODAY!
The South End, the student newspaper, reported that the protesters rejected a proposal by the school to remove the encampment on Monday in exchange for a Tuesday meeting to discuss their demands.
