Northwestern and Brown Universities have resolved issues with pro-Palestinian protesters by making deals with protest leaders. Northwestern President Michael Schill and administrators agreed to protester demands, including providing full scholarships for Palestinian students and guaranteed jobs for Palestinian academics. Northwestern will fund five student scholarships and two faculty positions for the next two years to support visiting Palestinian faculty and students. By Tuesday, most of the protester encampment at Northwestern in Evanston had been removed.
Brown University in Providence also reached a deal with protesters, promising to vote in October on whether to end investments in companies linked to Israel. Before the vote, student leaders will meet with administrators to present arguments for divestment. Brown also stated that students who participated in the protests will not face punishment.
Both universities will continue to allow protests, with restrictions on tent pitching and nonstudent participation. Violation of the agreements could result in penalties, including suspension. The deals faced criticism from Jewish groups, with the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League Midwest accusing Northwestern of giving in to protesters and failing to make Jewish students feel secure. ADL Midwest called for President Schill’s resignation over the agreement with protesters.
