Wayne State University encampment dismantled in police raid
Dear Saa Nasta Newsletter readers,
This week we’re catching up on the latest happenings of the encampment at Wayne State University. In Hamtramck, the city council passed a BDS resolution. Also, check out a few events taking place this weekend.
In peace,
Nargis
Wayne State University Police Department dismantled campus encampment
Wayne State University Police Department raided the Pro-Palestinian encampment yesterday on campus at 5:30 a.m. The encampment was set up last week, following a protest.
On Thursday about a dozen university officials threw away encampment materials into two large dumpsters as police officers overlooked the operations and cleared the area.
Protestors continued chanting along Anthony Wayne Drive before WSUPD yellow-taping off the area. A total of 12 people were arrested throughout the day, including two women whose hijabs were removed while being arrested.
Video: Luay Abuelenain says his wife and niece were arrested, with their hijabs being removed in the process of being arrested. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib tells the police they should have better training and know not to remove Islamic headscarves.
All the arrested protestors, including six WSU students, were released by late afternoon. The university declined to comment. Protestors say they still have not had a meeting with WSU President Kimberly Andrews Espy. They still want the divestment of university funds from Israel and the WSUPD to stop getting trained by the Israeli IDF, among other demands. Listen to a recap here on WDET’s The Metro.
Today Espy sent out a letter addressing what happened yesterday and said they will host listening sessions in the coming weeks to further engage in dialogue. Congresswoman Tlaib put out a statement saying the university leadership should meet with students on their terms.
Hamtramck City Council passes BDS Resolution
Hamtramck’s City Council passed a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions or BDS resolution this week, to cut off future financial ties to Israel. The city is the first in Michigan to take on this measure. In 2016 former Governor Rick Snyder created an anti-BDS law into state law, which “prohibits the state from hiring businesses that boycott individuals or public entities of a foreign nation.” Several other states have similar laws. The resolution will impact future contracts.
Other headlines:
Eid Bazaar 2024 will be held tomorrow at the American Polish Cultural Center.
The Birmingham Farmers Market opens tomorrow at 9 a.m. on 660 N Old Woodward Ave.
Palmer Park Art Fair 2024 is taking place at the Palmer Park Log Cabin this weekend.
Detroit Friendship House is enrolling women to get screened for breast cancer.
