In response to the authorities' clearing of an encampment on Tuesday, organizers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus have announced plans for a class walkout and the reestablishment of the encampment. The encampment was set up by protesters to demand the university sever its financial ties with companies that do business with the Israeli military.

Early in the morning on Tuesday, around 4 a.m., the encampment was erected on the Northrop Mall. However, shortly after 7 a.m., police detained several individuals who had participated in the encampment and promptly dismantled the tents, as seen in a livestream video. Nine individuals were subsequently arrested for trespassing and were taken into custody at Hennepin County jail.

As of 10 a.m., a group of at least a dozen people began protesting outside the jail in support of those arrested. Student organizer, Merlin Van Alstine, explained that authorities had given students a 30-minute warning to vacate the area, but some chose to remain. These defiant students sat in the middle of the encampment, crossing their arms together and chanting for Gaza, before being individually removed.

The university justified the actions taken by stating that the students were violating both campus policy and state law, which prohibit encampment arrangements without a permit on university property. However, the university made a point to express its support for free expression of views by students and faculty.

In a statement, the university emphasized its commitment to upholding free speech through lawful protest. It acknowledged that demonstrations with diverse viewpoints regularly occur on campus and affirmed its support for the peaceful exercise of rights by all members of the university community.

Despite the university's stance, the organizers of the encampment remain determined to continue their protest. Their class walkout and reestablishing the encampment later today will further highlight their demands for the severance of financial ties with companies associated with the Israeli military.

As tensions surrounding the issue persist, both students and authorities will have to navigate the delicate balance between freedom of expression and adherence to campus regulations and state laws.