At approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, a peaceful protest and march occurred on our Twin Cities campus without incident. Seven hours later, protesters established a tent encampment on the south lawn of McNamara Alumni Center. At approximately 10 p.m., UMPD officers spoke directly with the protest’s organizers, advising that these actions violated University policy and asked that any tents be removed. Not long after, protesters left the McNamara lawn and carried the fully assembled tents to another campus location on the corner of Church St. SE and Pillsbury Dr. SE. Officers approached the group again at about 12:45 a.m. Friday with warnings regarding University policy and state trespass laws. At this time, protesters removed the tents. Some individuals remained at the scene and continued to peacefully protest. Officers vacated the area and no arrests were made.

We appreciate that several protests in recent days have ended without arrest or injury. However, in addition to the prohibited tents, the stickers and graffiti, some of which promote violence, that these protests have left behind are concerning to many and also violate University and Twin Cities campus policies. We continue to work to promptly remove these items.

All members of our community who have experienced bias are encouraged to report it through our Bias Response and Referral Network.