U Of M Closes Campus Buildings Amid Israel-Hamas War Protests

MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Minnesota Twin Cities announced plans to close many buildings on campus Monday afternoon amid ongoing protests over the Israel-Hamas War.

In a 12:45 p.m. advisory, the university said as of 2 p.m. it would close Coffman Memorial Union, Weisman Art Museum, Hasselmo Hall, Ford Hall, Vincent Murphy Hall, Tate Lab, Morrill Hall, Northrop auditorium, Johnston Hall, Walter Library, Smith Hall and Kolthoff Hall. All other East Campus buildings would require U Card access.

“We anticipate protests will continue on campus in the coming days and want to reiterate our commitment to freedom of expression through public discourse, including the right to peacefully and lawfully protest,” university leadership said in a message to the school community published in full by KSTP.

“To ensure the safety of those who work and study on our campus, we plan to close buildings along the Northrop Mall on the East Bank area of campus at 2 p.m. today.”

Classes in affected buildings were expected to be held remotely or at another location, and affected employees would work remotely if possible, according to the message.

Protesters want the university to divest from companies tied to the Israeli military and for the school to end Israel study abroad programs, according to MPR, which reported nine people were arrested last week for trespassing after an on-campus encampment was erected.

“Protesters are expected to uphold the safety of others, not interfere with normal campus operations, and adhere to student and employee conduct policies,” the university’s message Monday said.

“We urge everyone who engages to remain nonviolent, peaceful, and follow both state laws and University policies, including restrictions prohibiting tents and encampments on campus. Discriminatory vandalism and defacements such as stickers and graffiti — some of which promote violence — are hurtful to many and violate University and Twin Cities campus policies.”

Organizers of Monday’s 2 p.m. rally outside Coffman Memorial Union called for escalation, with plans for tents and tarps, MPR reported.

Student protests over the war have popped up at many college campuses following the arrest of demonstrators at Columbia University. The number of arrests nationwide has approached 1,000 since New York police arrested demonstrators at Columbia on April 18.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.