In a significant development following over a week of protests, the encampment on Library Mall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is set to be dismantled, as university leaders and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) have reached an agreement. The announcement came on Friday, with UW-Madison officials expressing their appreciation for reaching a resolution with SJP.

Under the agreement, SJP has agreed to clear the encampment, ensuring that graduation ceremonies and other campus functions are not disrupted. Additionally, the group has committed to not reestablishing an encampment on campus in the future. University officials acknowledged the support provided by faculty liaisons to SJP during the negotiations.

The encampment was originally organized by SJP to call for the university to divest from groups accused of supporting genocidal actions by the Israeli government against Palestinians in Gaza. However, UW-Madison maintained that the encampment violated both campus policy and state law.

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin clarified that the university does not have direct control over the investment decisions of the university's endowment, as that responsibility lies with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. Mnookin emphasized that UW-Madison supports peaceful student protest, respects the First Amendment, and has consistently maintained this stance throughout the year.

As part of the agreement, a meeting will be arranged on July 1, involving SJP, the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, and the Universities of Wisconsin. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss transparency and principles regarding the university's endowment investments, with Chancellor Mnookin in attendance. SJP will be granted the ability to actively participate in the shared government process related to investment principles, while the chancellor commits to non-interference.

In addition to addressing the concerns raised by SJP, UW-Madison leaders have committed to conducting a review of the university's projects, study abroad programs, and internships that engage with areas affected by conflicts. The university has also dedicated itself to consulting with Palestinian community members within the UW community and inviting at least one scholar from a Palestinian university for each of the next three academic years.

Furthermore, the university leaders expressed a commitment to requesting the University of Wisconsin Police Department (UWPD) to exercise discretion when reviewing cases connected to the confrontation between law enforcement and protesters that occurred on May 1 at the encampment.

Chancellor Mnookin expressed gratitude towards her leadership team, SJP, and their faculty liaisons for their collaborative efforts in crafting this agreement. She acknowledged the diverse range of viewpoints expressed by both the university community and the broader community and emphasized the importance of upholding free speech while adhering to rules, laws, and policies that ensure an inclusive dialogue space.

With the resolution in place, UW-Madison is now looking ahead to celebrating and honoring the Class of 2024 with a firm commitment to creating a campus where all individuals can thrive. The university aims to foster an environment that encourages free speech, understanding, and recognition of shared humanity, while ensuring adherence to established rules and policies.