A member of the Portland City Council, Mitch Green, is making headlines for threatening to withhold city funding from Portland State University (PSU) unless the university drops student conduct cases related to last year’s library takeover during pro-Palestinian protests.
Green, whose district encompasses Portland State, expressed his intentions at a rally organized at the campus, where demonstrators condemned the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its implications for higher education freedoms at home.
At the rally, Green stated, “If they want my vote they’re going to have to drop the charges on those students,” referring to financial support for a proposed city-backed performing arts venue that PSU is looking to build.
As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Green’s comments resonated with the crowd, which applauded in support of his stance.
Christina Williams, a spokesperson for PSU, responded by stating that all student conduct cases linked to the library occupation had already concluded. Williams declined to provide detailed information about the disciplinary actions taken against the students involved.
She emphasized that any city funds allocated for the planned Performing Arts and Culture Center would be directed towards a city-owned venue on the site.
“PSU is partnering with the city on the project to drive a vibrant economy by making downtown an arts, entertainment, and education hub,” she added.
Green’s remarks arrive at a particularly sensitive time for educational institutions across the country, grappling with threats to federal funding and increasing scrutiny over how they handle campus protests.
Portland State finds itself under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, which is probing the university for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students from discrimination connected to student protests regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Some constituents have voiced concern over Green’s approach, interpreting it as a misuse of political power to intimidate PSU.
Kara Colley, a Goose Hollow resident, expressed her frustration, stating, “To me, he’s using his position of power to threaten, intimidate, and blackmail PSU.” Colley likened Green’s actions to tactics employed by former President Donald Trump, suggesting an abuse of power.
In a follow-up interview, Green stood firm in his position, insisting that he would send a formal letter to PSU regarding the student conduct cases.
“I was inspired by these students’ willingness to take bold risks,” he said. “What good does it do to tell students or professors, who are also my constituents, that I’ll fight for them from City Hall if I’m not willing to also be bold?”
He also dismissed comparisons between his actions and the threats perceived from the White House, stating, “Donald Trump is doing this in a very cynical way that doesn’t protect anyone’s right to free speech.”
He further asserted, “I’m very interested in preserving the right to free speech. And those students participated in a time-honored tradition.”
The library occupation at Portland State last spring had significant repercussions, leading to disruptions on campus for several days when protesters, many not affiliated with the university, barricaded themselves inside to voice dissent against Israel’s military actions following a deadly attack by Hamas.
The situation escalated when Portland police intervened to remove protesters, resulting in dozens of arrests and clashes reminiscent of those seen on campuses across the nation throughout the previous spring.
Court documents indicate that 32 protesters were arrested, with many of them facing criminal charges. The legal outcomes varied, as at least 17 individuals accepted conditional plea deals that would lead to case dismissals upon completion of community service.
Another six cases were dropped due to errors on the part of the Multnomah County district attorney’s office, while only one case remains active. This defendant, Thomas Pulliam, faces charges of criminal trespass and has a warrant pending for failing to appear in court.
Records show Pulliam is not a student at Portland State.
The occupation caused considerable damage to the Millar Library, leading PSU to invest over $1.2 million in repairs. Work included removing graffiti, repainting, fixing broken glass, and restoring various aspects of the library’s infrastructure, including the fire safety system and elevators.
In her statement, Williams reiterated that PSU values free speech and academic inquiry, adding that the disciplinary measures taken against students were based on violations of university policies, which had been resolved.
This ongoing situation at Portland State encapsulates a growing tension in the landscape of higher education as institutions navigate freedom of expression while managing the consequences of protest actions.
As the discussion around funding and student conduct unfolds, many eyes will be on the university and its response to the political pressures being exerted from local government officials.
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