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The University of Michigan Black Student Union announced on Friday it would withdraw from the TAHRIR Coalition, a group of more than 90 pro-Palestine student organizations, citing concerns that Black voices and identities are not valued within the coalition.
The BSU emphasized continued support for Palestinian liberation in its Instagram post announcing the withdrawal, reaffirming its call for the U-M administration to divest from companies profiting off the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
“The genocide in Gaza is intolerable, and the complicity of the University of Michigan through their investments in companies facilitating that genocide is inexcusable,” the statement read. “Our support and allyship with the people of Palestine, and our advocacy for a free Palestine remains unshakeable.”
According to the statement, the BSU made the decision to leave the coalition after repeated instances of members of the Black community being dismissed and criticized by other coalition members.
“However, it has become increasingly apparent that Black identities, voices, and bodies are not valued in this coalition, and thus, we must remove ourselves,” the statement read. “Members of our organization and our community have dedicated their time, energy, and well-being to the continued existence and strength of the coalition — despite repeated instances of being erased, belittled, and berated.”
The BSU also emphasized the intersection of the Black and Palestinian struggles but said they will not take part in an organization where they are not valued or respected.
“The BSU’s solidarity with the Palestinian people is unwavering, but the integrity of the TAHRIR Coalition is deeply questionable,” the statement read. “We refuse to subject ourselves and our community to the rampant anti-Blackness that festers within it.”
Daily Staff Reporter Matilda Sophia Mottola can be reached at msophy@umich.edu.
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