Tensions stemming from an anti-Israel encampment at Wayne State University in Detroit led the university to announce Tuesday that classes would be held remotely until further notice.
Protesters set up a camp on campus last week to demand that the university divest its funds from the Jewish state.
“Due to ongoing public safety concerns, Wayne State University will immediately transition to remote operations and will continue until further notice,” the university notified students, faculty and staff early Tuesday morning.
It’s unclear if the university plans to remove the encampment, but Matt Lockwood, vice president of communications at the university, told Fox News Digital that university officials have repeatedly asked organizers to remove the encampment, which he said the protesters have so far refused to do.
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An anti-Israel encampment appeared on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)
Lockwood said university leaders are willing to meet with protest leaders but no date has been set. As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 30 to 35 tents set up on campus, Lockwood said.
As Israel’s war with Hamas continues, other universities across the country have removed similar encampments. Last week, police removed an anti-Israel encampment at the University of Michigan, citing a fire risk.
Lockwood is Detroit Free Press Over the weekend, the fire chief was concerned about a buildup of flammable materials.
To avoid any trouble at the camp, the school canceled in-person classes and encouraged staff to work remotely. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)
Lockwood also said some trails near the campsite have been closed and “there is a small number of residents posing a public safety threat.”
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Lockwood told the paper that many of the roughly 40 protesters he saw did not appear to be students, but it was hard to tell because many were wearing masks.
School officials described the encampment as an “ongoing public safety issue.” (FOX2 Detroit WJBK)
The university said students will receive detailed information about class arrangements from their instructors via email or the online course management system, Canvas.
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The university also announced that all on-campus events have been canceled until further notice.
