Amid criticism of agreement to end protest, UWM Chancellor Mone issues apology

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Tuesday, May 21, UWM Chancellor Mark Mone apologized for the agreement he announced nine days earlier with pro-Palestinian protesters on campus.

Mone faced heavy criticism from many sides after the deal was announced, including from Milwaukee's Jewish community and even the Universities of Wisconsin president.

It's not a complete about-face -the deal to end the encampment is still in place- but it signals a significant shift in tone from the chancellor.

For weeks Mone took heat from all sides for a lack of clear communication. Now, more than a week after the protest ended, he's again having to clarify his position.

Part of the statement reads, "It is clear to me that UWM should not have weighed in on deeply complex geopolitical and historical issues. And for that, I apologize."

Mone's latest statement addressed politically charged rhetoric that has fueled ongoing anger over his handling of the weeks-long encampment on campus.

In a message to the UWM community Tuesday, Mone said people on campus have made it clear "our response over the last few months to global events, local protests and the recent encampment left them feeling vulnerable, unsafe and unseen."

Mone's statement continued, "I’ve also heard that some students have not felt comfortable reporting their concerns or experiences. This distresses me."

The terms of the agreement, published in a May 12 letter signed by Mone and three other administrators, used the term "genocide" to describe Palestinian deaths. Jewish leaders also opposed UWM using the word "hostages" for prisoners in custody for terror activity.

And Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman expressed his concern at the time, saying he was "disappointed by the course taken by UW-Milwaukee".

After Tuesday's apology, Rothman said on social media, "I appreciate that the chancellor reassessed his approach at UW-Milwaukee regarding the illegal encampments and issued a statement reflecting his apology."

Mone's apology letter concluded by saying, "I reaffirm my personal commitment, and that of my leadership team, to advancing an inclusive campus where every student can succeed."

We reached out to protest organizers and Jewish leaders for reaction to Chancellor Mone's apology, but none responded.

And requests for an interview with chancellor Mone himself were not returned.