TL/DR –
The Michigan Daily interviewed University President Santa Ono, discussing topics like divestment, campus activism, and free speech principles. Ono addressed the university’s stance on divestment from Israeli companies, stating that such decisions are made at the Board of Regents level and that the board typically does not divest, focusing on overall performance. In response to questions about campus activism, Ono emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting freedom of speech and diversity of thought, but also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the community.
Interview with University President on Campus Activism, Jim Harbaugh, and Free Speech Principles
The University President, Santa Ono, spoke about campus activism around divestment, Jim Harbaugh’s departure, and new campus free speech principles in an interview. Student protestors have called on the University to divest from Israeli companies involved in the Gaza war.
Santa Ono: Ono noted that the Board of Regents, of which he is a nonvoting member, makes investment and divestment decisions. They have discussed divestment due to increased student activism.
TMD: Regarding a possible similar action to divest from companies funding the Israeli military as was done during South African apartheid, Ono stated that this has been discussed but the decision has been not to divest.
TMD: Ono explained that on-site security units made the decision to arrest 40 U-M students at a pro-Palestine protest last November, not him. He detailed that the students had refused to leave the building after multiple warnings past closing time.
TMD: The University’s cancellation of the voting on two Central Student Government resolutions related to Israel and Palestine resulted in allegations that the University did not want to acknowledge the violence in Gaza.
Santa Ono: Ono refuted these allegations, stating they have mentioned the violence in Gaza in written statements multiple times. He explained that the voting was canceled because the campus climate had reached a pitch concerning the safety of many community members.
TMD: Following an alleged hazing incident, the U-M chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi was suspended from the national organization. Ono confirmed that the University had reached out to the fraternity’s national headquarters and the police and is taking the issue seriously, although he couldn’t discuss an ongoing investigation.
TMD: The University’s Residential Advisors are planning to vote to unionize by late February, with demands including higher pay for Residential Staff coordinators, free laundry for residents, and a legal support system for harassed RAs.
Santa Ono: Ono stated that while the University supports the right to unionize, as president he must remain neutral.
TMD: Regarding Carin Ehrenberg, a School of Information external advisory board member, who verbally assaulted Arab and Muslim students at a protest, Ono recommended talking to the dean, as this was a local decision.
TMD: Ono confirmed that they are working to address Islamophobia at the University and described Islamophobic acts as antithetical to their values.
TMD: Regarding the contract talks with former Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh, Ono declined to go into details, only stating that they tried their best to retain him.
Santa Ono: Ono confirmed that they are in regular negotiations with the Lecturers’ Employee Organization and expressed hope for a mutually satisfactory contract.
TMD: On the hiring of Sherrone Moore as the new football head coach, Ono said that he had a chance to speak with Moore prior to his appointment and is thrilled with the choice.
TMD: The Board of Regents recently approved new free speech principles, which Ono said were not created in response to activism or protests but have been in works for more than a year.
TMD: Responding to the U-M chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops’ concerns over the University’s partnership with Nike, Ono said an advisory committee had written to Nike expressing their concerns, and they’re waiting for a response.
TMD: Finally, when asked about his favorite Ann Arbor “sweet treat,” Ono said he loves the donuts at Washtenaw Dairy.
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