Campus safety update
April 26, 2024 11:31 PM

Dear Members of the University Community,

I write to tell you that we have reached a peaceful resolution that has ended the demonstration outside of the Illini Union. 

The demonstration participants will immediately dismantle their encampment and leave this location. We have agreed to allow them to temporarily relocate their activities to the public access green space west of Gregory Avenue and north of Oregon Street. We reached this compromise to avoid a physical confrontation that would endanger demonstrators and our police officers alike. This presence will be permitted through the conclusion of  a meeting with some event organizers that was already scheduled for Monday afternoon. 

This location will limit the disruptions to campus operations. The demonstrators will restrict their activities to a strictly defined area. We also will be able to maintain a wider area of separation between the demonstrators and our academic operations on Monday.  

We are trusting the participants to honor their agreement with us in the interest of public safety. We have reached a very clear understanding with the participants that we will take immediate action to disperse the group if their activities present any new safety risks or violations of state or local law. 

I understand that this resolution will likely frustrate members of our community who have strong opinions on both sides of this issue. I made this decision after careful and lengthy consultation with our police department, the university administration and local authorities. I believe this path offered us the safest way forward for all involved with the least continuing disruption to our students, faculty and staff as they prepare for their final week of the semester.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Jones
Chancellor