Each week, The Michigan Daily’s news desk will be publishing a most-read wrap up of the previous week’s most popular articles based on the number of online reads each article received. Here are the five most read from Nov. 12 to Nov. 18:
#UMDivest resolution passes for first time in U-M Ann arbor campus history
The Central Student Government of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor passed the #UMDivest resolution with 23 in favor, 17 against and five abstained. The resolution, and associated divestment movement, call on the University’s Board of Regents to establish a committee that will investigate investing in three companies operating in Israel that are involved in alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. CSG has created its own committee to investigate the matter.
University fraternity presidents voted to suspend all social activities, including mixers and date parties, following several claims of sexual misconduct, hazing and hospitalizations involving members. The ban stops initiation activities for fraternity pledges. Interfraternity Council members urged attendees to vote in favor of the suspension to avoid suspension by the North-American Interfraternity Council; if the suspension were to be mandated by the latter, the IFC would have no say in its removal.
Zeta Psi accused of blacklisting student for intervening in sexual misconduct
Two students said they were denied entrance to Zeta Psi fraternity after intervening with an alleged sexual assault days prior. While the students were eventually allowed into the fraternity, allegations of misconduct have still been discussed at the fraternity.
Then and now: The struggle of divestment at the University
Prior to CSG’s passage of the #UMDivest resolution, The Daily looked back on the history of the divestment movement at the University. Students Allied for Freedom and Equality — a student group organized to support social justice and human rights for the Palestinian people — created the resolution in 2014. It has failed to pass CSG a total of 11 times. Since 1817, the University has divested twice — from apartheid in South Africa and from the tobacco industry.
Student body divided after #UMDivest
Following the passage of the #UMDivest resolution, students across campus responded in a variety of ways. While SAFE members responded with tears of joy and enthusiasm, students from the University of Michigan Hillel, an organization that provides programming for Jewish students on campus, expressed concern and disappointment.