In response to ongoing violations and safety concerns, the University of Michigan has made the decision to remove an encampment that had been set up on the Diag for the past four weeks. The encampment, established on April 22, had been causing disruptions to university operations and had violated the rules governing the use of the space.

The university's commitment to freedom of expression and peaceful protest remains unwavering, as it recognizes the importance of these freedoms in educating young people to become thoughtful citizens. However, the university also emphasizes that these rights are not limitless and must be regulated to ensure the safety and rights of all individuals on campus.

The decision to remove the encampment was prompted by a disregard for safety directives, which included the use of open flames, overloading power sources, and the presence of external barriers. A recent inspection by the university fire marshal on May 17 raised concerns about a potential fire hazard that could endanger lives.

This disregard for safety directives was just one event in a series of troubling incidents associated with the encampment. Individuals within the encampment had replaced bricks on the Diag with concrete and defaced university property including the Michigan Union sign and the fountain outside the League.

The university further noted that a protest organized by participants of the encampment outside the University of Michigan Museum of Art on May 3 had turned violent. Law enforcement officers were allegedly assaulted, leading to injuries and one arrest.

Additionally, demonstrations that took place in the early morning hours of May 15 at the homes of several members of the U-M Board of Regents were deemed as vandalism and trespassing. The encampment leaders, who had organized the protests, made it clear on social media that they were responsible for these actions.

Moving forward, the University of Michigan remains committed to allowing peaceful protests and freedom of expression within the boundaries of university policies and the safety of the community. Violence and intimidation have no place on campus and will not be tolerated, with individuals held accountable for their actions.

In light of these events, the university acknowledges the need for ongoing dialogue and debate surrounding complex issues, such as the war in the Middle East. To facilitate this, the university has planned multiple opportunities for discussions as part of the "Year of Democracy and Civic Engagement" in the upcoming year.

The University of Michigan views these challenges as an opportunity for engagement, leveraging facts, reason, and open debate to work towards productive solutions. It believes that by embracing diverse perspectives, it can contribute to a common path forward on the most critical issues of our time.

The university's priority remains the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, employees, visitors, and protestors. It will continue to uphold its commitment to freedom of expression while ensuring that the campus remains a secure and inclusive environment for all.