Hundreds of University of Michigan students and community members gathered outside the Michigan League Tuesday night to protest a debate organized by the Michigan Political Union.
According to the event description, the debate was to discuss the merits of the Black Lives Matter movement and whether or not it “is harmful to racial relations in the United States.”
As protesters worked their way into the room, they asked, “Do you want to hear what Black people have to say?”
“Don’t just listen to your White sources, listen to your Black sources,” another protester said.
The protest comes a day after racially charged posters were found in University buildings and around campus. Administrators were quick to respond with a statement, and a protest was held Monday night directly in response to the posters where Vice President of Student Life was present, though University President Mark Schlissel was not.
University spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald said, though he was not in the room during the debate, he was glad to see protesters and event organizers engaged in open dialogue.
“As often happens on this campus, groups with different points of view find a way to get together,” he said. “The dialogue is really important. Listening as well as talking are important for both sides on this campus.”
This is a developing story — check back with www.michigandaily.com for updates.