APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Protests over the Israel-Hamas war have made their way to Appleton.
An unauthorized encampment at Lawrence University is small in size, but the message is similar to what we’ve seen on college campuses throughout much of the nation in recent weeks.
Protests over the Israel-Hamas war have made their way to Appleton, with an encampment forming at Lawrence University. (WLUK)
“The university has always kind of taken on this tactical silence.,” Lawrence student Nolan Madrigrano said. “There’s been emails saying condolences. If you need to go to student services to get counseling or whatever. I don’t think that’s enough.”
On Thursday, dozens of university students continued an encampment that began the previous afternoon around the Hamar House, or President’s house.
“We’d like to see disclosure on what we’re invested in, divestment where it’s need be, that financial transparency is super important moving forward,” Madrigrano said.
Those involved, like Madrigrano, had several goals including the establishment of a code of ethics.
“So that all these financial investments made in the future can be consistent with the values of not only us, the students, the alumni, the people who are paying the university, but also just the university itself.”
It was also in small part a response to a recently modified campus protest policy. A copy of the policy obtained by FOX 11 from a Lawrence student, shows that demonstrations now require 48 hour advance notice and approval from the Dean of Students.
“There were various changes made, all of which were pretty unpopular but one of the big things, one of the big sticking points with that is that they kind of subverted this dual governance that we have with our student council, the LUCC, claimed to have their support in making this change when they really didn’t,” Madrigrano said.
Students were asked to move to the sidewalk shortly before 5 PM. Those who didn’t were photographed by campus security.
In a statement, Kenny Yarbrough, Vice President for I.D.E.A.S. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Antiracism and Support Services) said:
Dear Campus Community,
Early yesterday afternoon, several students set up an encampment within President Carter’s fenced backyard in addition to others on the lawn and sidewalk in front of the fenced yard. President Carter’s home is a private residence in a residential neighborhood. Neighbors have expressed concern due to the noise. The Appleton Police Department presence is a result of calls from the neighbors, not from the University.
We respect community members’ right to peaceful protest and we will continue to prioritize community members’ safety. Because President Carter’s home is in a residential neighborhood and a private residence, early this evening, we requested all present to relocate the protest to Main Hall Green. As of this writing, students have declined to relocate.
Last Friday, the Board of Trustees met with SDS and LUCC leadership and made a commitment to speak with our investment managers about our investment strategies. We plan to honor the commitment the Board made to SDS to continue communication about our investment policy and progress.
We also want to acknowledge that we have heard your concerns about the demonstration policy. We plan to revisit the policy in the fall with engagement from the campus community. Civil dialogue is an integral component of a liberal arts education. We are committed to working through shared governance and campus discussion to ensure the safety of the community as well as each person’s ability to peacefully protest.
The protest remains ongoing as of Thursday night. Those involved say they have no intention of leaving until their demands are met and they hear from administration.
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