UW-Milwaukee student groups suspended; intimidating Instagram posts
MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) announced on Wednesday, July 31 it has temporarily suspended five student organizations associated with a coalition that posted "alarming messages" on Instagram.
The suspensions come as part of UWM's ongoing investigation. Officials said a July 19 Instagram story post to the uwm4palicoalition account included intimidating language aimed at Jewish community members and organizations that support Israel.
UWM strongly denounced the post, and any form of antisemitism. A subsequent Instagram post by the coalition reaffirmed their original message, saying UWM's claims about targeting the Jewish community are not true.
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The UWM student organizations that are temporarily suspended include:
- Students for Justice in Palestine
- Muslim Student Association
- Students for a Democratic Society
- Young Democratic Socialists of America
- Un-PAC
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
If you'll remember, back in May, there was an encampment on campus for about a week. Protesters ultimately came to an agreement with the university.
It's not clear how long the suspension is in effect.
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The UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition said a press conference is scheduled for Thursday morning, Aug. 1. Other student groups in support of Palestine will also be in attendance.
UWM denounces antisemitism, group's Instagram post raises concerns
An Instagram post with intimidating language aimed at the Jewish community and groups that support Israel has been circulating around the UWM campus.
Reaction
Miryam Rosenzweig, President and CEO, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation
"We’re glad that UWM and the UW System are taking the safety of students seriously and investigating all incidents of harassment or intimidation. Making UWM a safe and welcoming environment for all students, including Jewish students, without exception must be the overarching priority of the largest urban university in Wisconsin."
Lev Voskoboynik, Chabad on Campus - Milwaukee rabbi
"There’s definitely been a climate of difficulty for the students. You know, social media a lot of times says things that threaten Jews and Jewish students with the right to exist and the right to be a people.
"In times like this, even more is time to be strong and proud of who you are.
"When we see such hateful remarks that happened, for us, our goal is to take that and transform it into more goodness."