Northwestern University reaches agreement with pro-Palestinian protesters camped out in Deering Meadow

CHICAGO - Pro-Palestinian protests unfolded at several Chicago area universities Monday, as similar demonstrations gained momentum nationwide.

In recent days, campus protests in other states have taken a tumultuous turn, but in Evanston, a surprising deal was reached Monday between demonstrators and administrators.

Since early Thursday morning, pro-Palestinian student protesters at Northwestern University have been camping out in Deering Meadow, steadily adding more signage to the fence separating the meadow from Sheridan Road.

They have been urging Northwestern to terminate partnerships they believe support the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, and to end relationships they deem as endorsing genocide in Gaza.

On Monday afternoon, following several days of discussions with students, university officials announced they had come to an agreement with those leading the encampment.

"The university has heard our voices," said Mounica Sreesai, graduate student, Northwestern University. "I think that is a big step for a private university like Northwestern."

Northwestern officials said, in part: "This agreement represents a sustainable and de-escalated path forward, and enhances the safety of all members of the Northwestern community while providing space for free expression that complies with University rules and policies."

As part of the agreement, protesters began immediately dismantling their tents and will stop using loudspeakers, unless pre-approved by the university.

Only Northwestern students, faculty, and staff will be allowed in the demonstration area.

Additionally, they will be permitted to demonstrate in Deering Meadow until June 1, which marks the end of the academic quarter.

Meanwhile, Northwestern University has committed to re-establish an ‘Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility’ this fall, which will include student representation.

The university also plans to support visiting Palestinian students by providing full tuition for five Palestinian undergraduates to attend Northwestern University. Likewise, the university will fund two visiting Palestinian faculty per year for two years.

Among other terms, Northwestern will provide and renovate a house to serve as a meeting space for MENA (Middle East and North African)/Muslim students.

"I don’t think my heart has ever been fuller, I’m very, very proud," said Abhi Nimmagadda, student, Northwestern University.

"This is a landmark breakthrough," said Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, professor of political science and religious studies at Northwestern University. "I think it sets a very strong precedent for other institutions to follow as they seek to find non-violent solutions to these complex problems we are facing as a society."

While demonstrators are celebrating the agreement, the Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest chapter issued a scathing statement in response to the deal.

An ADL Midwest spokesperson said, in part: "The agreement is reprehensible, dangerous, and a case study on failed leadership, For days, protesters violated campus codes of conduct and policies, intentionally fanned the flames of hate and antisemitism, and wreaked havoc on campus life."

ADL Midwest’s full statement is linked below.

On Sunday, pro-Palestinian students at Northwestern University were met by fellow students who were standing in support of Israel, highlighting the contentious divide on campus. The pro-Israel students asserted that they were combating what they perceived as anti-Semitic rhetoric emanating from certain pro-Palestinian groups.

Meanwhile in Hyde Park, students at the University of Chicago established an encampment of their own Monday.

They are calling on the university to "divest from the Gaza genocide, disclose investments in weapons manufacturers, and repair the injustices it perpetuates from Palestine to the South Side."

In response to the encampment, President Paul Alivisatos issued a letter asserting that the institution supports students' right to protest and freedom of expression; however, he added that "setting up tents on the Quad or erecting other structures and obstructions without prior approval, as happened in this case, is a violation of University policy and will result in disciplinary action."

Read Alivisatos’ full letter HERE. 

Northwestern University's full statement issued on Monday, April 29 can be found below: 

"We have reached an agreement with a group of students and faculty who represent the majority of the protestors on Deering Meadow to bring the demonstration into compliance with University rules and policies. This agreement represents a sustainable and de-escalated path forward, and enhances the safety of all members of the Northwestern community while providing space for free expression that complies with University rules and policies.

The full agreement can be found here.

This agreement was forged by the hard work of students and faculty working closely with members of the administration to help ensure that the violence and escalation we have seen elsewhere does not happen here at Northwestern.

This agreement also addresses our commitment to protect the safety of our entire community and to ensure the ongoing academic operations of our campus while adhering to our support for free expression. The agreement includes support for our Muslim, Arab and Palestinian students. Some of the actions have been discussed for years and some are new. Together, they will strengthen our community. 

This path forward requires the immediate removal of tents on Deering Meadow, cessation of non-approved use of amplified sound and a commitment that all conduct on Deering and across campus will comply with all University rules and policies. Compliant demonstration can continue at Deering Meadow through June 1.

For any demonstrators refusing to comply with the agreed-upon path forward, the University will take action to protect the safety of the community and enforce University rules and policies. These steps will include the suspension of non-compliant students and a requirement that non-affiliated individuals leave campus.

This path forward takes into account careful observation and assessment of protests on campuses across the United States. 

Reported antisemitic and anti-Muslim/Palestinian incidents over the weekend — in most cases, fueled by demonstrators who are not affiliated with Northwestern — are unacceptable and cannot continue, and this agreement will help to ensure that. Acts of antisemitism, anti-Muslim/Arab racism, and hate will not be tolerated, and community members who can be identified participating in such acts will face disciplinary action.

The University will take appropriate disciplinary action against any student, faculty or staff who violate these rules and policies.

We know more challenges remain ahead of us. But our guiding principles will never waver:  protecting the safety of our entire community, preserving free expression and peaceful demonstration, denouncing and refuting intolerance and hate, and ensuring that our University can continue to operate without disruption."