The University of Michigan’s Black Student Union announced Friday that it was leaving the TAHRIR coalition, a coalition of more than 90 pro-Palestinian student organizations, citing concerns that black voices and identities were not valued within the coalition.

In its Instagram post announcing the withdrawal, the BSU stressed its continued support for Palestinian liberation and reiterated its call for the UM administration to divest from companies that profit from the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.

“The genocide in Gaza is intolerable and the complicity of the University of Michigan through its investments in companies that enable this genocide is inexcusable,” the statement said. “Our support and solidarity with the Palestinian people and our commitment to a free Palestine remain unwavering.”

According to the statement, the BSU made the decision to leave the coalition after repeated cases of members of the black community being dismissed and criticized by other coalition members.

“However, it has become increasingly evident that Black identities, voices and bodies are not valued in this coalition, and therefore we must withdraw,” the statement said. “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 verbally abused.”

The BSU also emphasized the intersection between the black struggle and that of the Palestinians, but said they would not join any organization where they were neither valued nor respected.

“The BSU’s solidarity with the Palestinian people is unwavering, but the integrity of the TAHRIR coalition is deeply questionable,” the statement said. “We refuse to subject ourselves and our community to the rampant anti-black sentiment that simmers within it.”

You can reach the daily reporter Matilda Sophia Mottola at [email protected].

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