We’re conscious that allegations about what occurred throughout a protest that passed off in entrance of Hillel final week are circulating on social media. These accounts are considerably exaggerated, based on quite a few eyewitness accounts from college and Hillel employees members and members of UWPD. Whereas we perceive that any protest in entrance of Hillel is more likely to trigger some misery, the protest itself was by all accounts peaceable and all deliberate actions passed off inside Hillel with out interruption.

Opposite to social media posts, no violence occurred, nor had been any direct threats expressed, and a flag was not lower. Madison Police responded to a name from Hillel for help. As well as, UWPD was current to make sure security. Out of an abundance of warning, and on the request of some involved college students, UWPD did escort a number of college students into Hillel throughout final week’s protest. We acknowledge how this might additionally serve to intensify worry and nervousness that our college students are experiencing.

UW-Madison is dedicated to group security. UWPD is working carefully with the Madison Police division to conduct further patrols on and close to campus. As well as college employees and UWPD are attentive to on-campus protest exercise.

Campus officers urge warning and advise a crucial eye throughout this time of heightened tensions to take care in how we view, reply to, and share content material on social media.

UW-Madison unequivocally decries violence, the specter of violence, and harassment or hate directed at people primarily based on their id. At this second particularly, we strongly condemn antisemitism and Islamophobia. We are going to tackle complaints of unlawful discrimination primarily based on id. We are going to proceed to work with our communities to foster a way of belonging for all.