Day 2 of pro-Palestinian protests on Wisconsin campuses, First Amendment expert weighs in – WISN Milwaukee
Tuesday marks the second day of pro-Palestinian protests at both UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee. The groups have pitched tents and created an encampment on each campus, joining protestors at universities nationwide demonstrating against the war in the Middle East. Those protesting at UW-Milwaukee said they will not leave until the university meets their demands. Read those demands here. "Throughout all of these student movements, it's really inspiring to see students mobilize and come together, but we don't want to distract from the fact that we are all here for Palestinian liberation," UW-Milwaukee junior Sania Syed said Tuesday.In Milwaukee, the encampment's atmosphere remained relaxed. UW-Milwaukee police patrolled the area outside Mitchell Hall, but WISN 12 News did not see any police interact with protestors during the day. The right to protest is protected by the First Amendment, but Wisconsin law prohibits camping on university grounds. WISN 12 News Hannah Hilyard asked a First Amendment legal expert which one takes precedent. "The First Amendment right of assembly does not extend to a right to trespass, and as long as the rules limiting that process are neutral and provide adequate alternative grounds to be heard, which is key, then those rules are permissible," UW-Madison professor emeritus of political science Howard Schweber explained. "We clearly have students on both campuses camping out with tents, and we're not seeing any arrests. Why is that?" Hilyard asked. "What universities may do, that's very different than what they should do," Schweber answered. "To be a university administrator, to be a good one, requires exercise of discretion, knowing your campus, knowing the people. There's nothing wrong with choosing not to enforce a rule, again, as long as it is for a good reason and done neutrally."Protest organizers said they will fight back legally if forced out. Late Monday, the university responded to the protestors' demands. Read their response here. Organizers call the response disappointing. UWM released its latest statement Tuesday afternoon. It reads: "UWMs first priority is the safety and well-being of our students, employees and visitors. UWM Police will continue to monitor the encampment on the lawn south of Mitchell Hall. Members of the UWM administration are having conversations with students and community members in the background and are working on peaceful resolutions. Though we understand the encampment is unsettling for many in our community, the encampment has not disrupted any events, classes or programs on campus. UWM Police will remain present at the encampment but cannot publicly disclose law enforcement procedures."
Tuesday marks the second day of pro-Palestinian protests at both UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee.
The groups have pitched tents and created an encampment on each campus, joining protestors at universities nationwide demonstrating against the war in the Middle East.
Those protesting at UW-Milwaukee said they will not leave until the university meets their demands. Read those demands here.
"Throughout all of these student movements, it's really inspiring to see students mobilize and come together, but we don't want to distract from the fact that we are all here for Palestinian liberation," UW-Milwaukee junior Sania Syed said Tuesday.
In Milwaukee, the encampment's atmosphere remained relaxed.
UW-Milwaukee police patrolled the area outside Mitchell Hall, but WISN 12 News did not see any police interact with protestors during the day.
The right to protest is protected by the First Amendment, but Wisconsin law prohibits camping on university grounds.
WISN 12 News Hannah Hilyard asked a First Amendment legal expert which one takes precedent.
"The First Amendment right of assembly does not extend to a right to trespass, and as long as the rules limiting that process are neutral and provide adequate alternative grounds to be heard, which is key, then those rules are permissible," UW-Madison professor emeritus of political science Howard Schweber explained.
"We clearly have students on both campuses camping out with tents, and we're not seeing any arrests. Why is that?" Hilyard asked.
"What universities may do, that's very different than what they should do," Schweber answered. "To be a university administrator, to be a good one, requires exercise of discretion, knowing your campus, knowing the people. There's nothing wrong with choosing not to enforce a rule, again, as long as it is for a good reason and done neutrally."
Protest organizers said they will fight back legally if forced out.
Late Monday, the university responded to the protestors' demands. Read their response here.
Organizers call the response disappointing.
UWM released its latest statement Tuesday afternoon. It reads:
"UWMs first priority is the safety and well-being of our students, employees and visitors. UWM Police will continue to monitor the encampment on the lawn south of Mitchell Hall. Members of the UWM administration are having conversations with students and community members in the background and are working on peaceful resolutions. Though we understand the encampment is unsettling for many in our community, the encampment has not disrupted any events, classes or programs on campus. UWM Police will remain present at the encampment but cannot publicly disclose law enforcement procedures."
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