Aug. 30, 2024

Protests are welcome at the University of Michigan, so long as those protests do not infringe on the rights of others, disrupt university operations, or threaten the safety of the community. The university has been clear that we will enforce our policies related to protests and expressive activity, and that we will hold individuals accountable for their actions in order to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.

On August 28, there was a disruption on the Diag by individuals who chose not to adhere to university policies or follow the direct written and verbal instructions of Student Life and law enforcement officials. That disruption ultimately resulted in four arrests.

By way of background, several student organizations had indicated on social media the day before that they intended to organize a demonstration during Festifall, one of the university’s largest and most anticipated annual outdoor events that typically draws thousands of students to the center of campus.

Student Life informed the organizers of the planned demonstration that the Diag had already been reserved, that the demonstration would be welcome at the Diag on a different day, and offered assistance in rescheduling. That offer was declined.

On the day of Festifall, nearly two dozen large signs were posted on the Diag to make clear the area had been reserved, other uses were prohibited and policies would be enforced. When the demonstrators arrived at the Diag, they were again offered assistance in moving their event to a designated area that had been set up to accommodate them. The individuals declined to move and, after laying down on the Diag, they were given multiple warnings, over more than an hour, that made clear they were blocking pedestrian traffic and violating university policies.

The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) subsequently issued two more warnings. The individuals then began to march and, after they again refused to disperse, four people were arrested. Counter protesters on the scene were also warned that they were violating policies and were asked to leave, which they did. None of the individuals arrested were University of Michigan students. Three were unaffiliated with the university, and the fourth is a temporary employee.