Gordon Dining & Event Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison
12/5/2024
DISCLOSE! DIVEST! WE WILL NOT STOP, WE WILL NOT REST!
Join the student movement this Thursday, December 5th to stand up against genocide and with the Palestinian people. The UW Board of Regents’ complicity will not stand and we as UW students must put Palestine on the agenda! No divestment, no peace!
The above is from the Instagram post inviting all to join in this protest of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting to demand divesting from companies that are complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people.
This morning at approximately 8:00 am CST, a group of protesters joined the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting: A meeting open to the public. The protesters stood quietly while an annual expenditures and profits report was read. Several protesters moved to the front of the room as it was opened for questions; one addressed the crowd, stating, “The board of regents is in violation of UW law.” From there, the demand was a simple request to the board of regents to please disclose the financial investments of the university and to divest from companies backing Israel and the genocide of Palestinians.
The committee chair interrupted, saying they needed to continue the university business, prompting the protesters to reply, “This is the university's business!” The protesters then began chanting, “Free, Free Palestine!” At this point, university representatives and police moved on the protesters and proceeded to try to clear the room. The refrain from the police was, “It’s time to go, let’s go!” While a couple of officers were cautious about pushing protesters, most were forcefully pushing people, myself included, towards the door.
Several protesters were pushed against the wall and held by officers, while others were spirited away through side doors, where they were restrained and detained. As the protesters continued to move towards the exit, albeit slowly, the pressure from police increased as they shoved people and threatened detainment and arrest.
News sources reported that 19 protesters were detained, but none were charged at this time. Protesters eventually were moved outside the building to continue their protest.
Other Reports of the Protest
- 19 arrested after pro-Palestine protesters interrupt Board of Regents meeting
- Arrests at Board of Regents Meeting
- SHAME ON THE UW BOARD OF REGENTS
- Footage of the protest
Participating Organizations
- SDS UWM
- SJP UW-Madison
- FRSO Wisconsin
- Code Pink Madison
- YDSA UW-Madison
- UW-Milwaukee Popular University for Palestine
Note: I am not affiliated with any political organizations. I am a freelance photographer covering marches, protests, and rallies in Madison, Wisconsin, documenting the people's right to free speech and their right to organize.
