(The Center Square) – The University of Wisconsin is condemning pro-Palestinian vandalism at the homes of UW Regents where at least four regents found graffiti or notes to start the holiday weekend.
“Regents are complicit in Palestinian genocide” read the red paint on one regent’s driveway.
“UW BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS” read another message.
Police believe the vandals struck Thursday evening or Thursday night.
The university did not say which of the 18 regents were vandalized, or which communities saw vandalism.
The university also said the regents were given a letter that outlined several demands, including a full divestment from any university investments in Israel or Israeli companies.
The university condemned the vandalism, and said they are asking for a full investigation.
“This kind of conduct is not free expression or protected speech; it’s dangerous, unlawful, and unacceptable. We have contacted the authorities and are working closely with them. Anyone with information regarding these illegal activities should contact local law enforcement authorities and the UW-Madison Police Department,” a university spokesman said in a statement.
This is not the first time pro-Palestinian voices at the UW have gone beyond marches and sit-ins.
Pro-Palestinian protesters shut down parts of campus in both Madison and Milwaukee in the spring of 2024. UW-Madison leaders called in police to clear camps that the protesters had set-up, while UW-Milwaukee’s chancellor negotiated a deal with the protesters.
That agreement ultimately cost Chancellor Mark Mone his job.
As for the most recent pro-Palestinian protests, UW police in both Madison and Milwaukee have not reported any arrests, and the university has not said anything about suspects in the case.
