One student called the scene on Northrup Mall very happy and relaxed.
But there is a measure of tension, after campus police twice ordered the encampment of some 40 tents out of the area overnight. No action was taken.
The students are protesting the violence in the middle east, and demanding the University cut ties with companies that do business with the Israeli army.
Signs posted around the encampment include one that reads: “The money for my school should not be used to bomb theirs.”
Interim U of M president Jeff Ettinger met with similar groups last fall, and in a message to the current protesters, said he would like to continue those conversations as the semester ends.
This is all happening as the campus is in the middle of final exams.
“We’ve just woken up from surviving the night,” said Merlin van Alstine, speaking for the group. “I don’t know if his people aren’t just in the office yet, but we haven’t heard anything back about our meeting with him.”
One unnamed U of M staffer, who identified herself as Jewish, said she can’t believe the school is allowing the protest encampment to continue.
While the students sit on the lawn, all of the buildings surrounding Northrup Mall are closed.
“It’s definitely an overreaction on their part,” van Alstine said. “They’re trying to make into some sort, like, violent protesters. We’re really just sleeping, and hanging out together, and studying, and dancing, and playing sports. There’s nothing for people to be afraid of.
According to university policy, overnight camping is not allowed on Northup Mall, a long green space on the east bank of the Twin Cities campus, that runs from Northrup Auditorium front steps to the Light Rail green line that fronts Coffman Union.
“Shutting down all of this campus is just, basically their way for trying to kick us out,” van Alstine said. “We’re going to stay here until our demands are met. All demands. No negotiations.”