Rashida Tlaib criticizes University of Michigan police for dismantling ‘peaceful’ encampment

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) slammed university police officers for their handling of campus protests, specifically naming those at the University of Michigan for destroying a “peaceful” encampment.

Tlaib, a vocal supporter of Palestinians amid the war in Gaza, spoke Thursday at a press conference in Washington, where she argued that police were being too harsh on student protesters. Encampments have appeared on college campuses across the country since last month, some of which have turned violent and destroyed property.

“This week at the University of Michigan, police violently destroyed the peaceful, most beautiful encampment, interfaith students’ encampment,” Tlaib said. “They sprayed them with chemicals, brutalized them. Many were hospitalized for exercising their First Amendment right and saying, ‘We are tired of supporting war.’”

The Michigan congresswoman added that she was “so proud” of the students and faculty for their “nonviolent civil disobedience,” and claimed that student protesters have been on “the right side of history time and time again.”

“It is utterly disgraceful that university administrators and government officials are sending, again, militarized police forces to stop students from exercising their First Amendment rights,” Tlaib said.

The University of Michigan issued a statement Tuesday that revealed the school’s fire marshal and student life leaders had asked those protesting to not overload the schools power sources and stop using open flames, as both were potential fire hazards. When the demonstrators refused to comply, the school forced the encampment to disband.

School officials added that while students are welcome to protest their causes so long as they do not endanger others on campus, any violence and intimidation showcased through these protests would not be tolerated.

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The protests happening across campuses have been in support of Palestinians, who have been caught up in the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Tlaib has been greatly critical of Israel since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, claiming her fellow lawmakers “gave their consent” to an Israeli invasion of Rafah when after voted to provide aid to Israel.

Tlaib has also called on the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials to “finally hold them accountable for this genocide.” Netanyahu has claimed the ICC is trying to “demonize Israel” over its plans to issue arrest warrants for him and other Israeli officials.