Milwaukee, WI
UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone Apologizes But Doesn't Withdraw Agreement
UW-Milwaukee’s chancellor is apologizing for weighing in on geopolitical issues but isn’t withdrawing the controversial agreement that weighed in on geopolitical issues.
UW-Milwaukee’s Chancellor Mark Mone has apologized for the university’s decision to weigh in on “deeply complex geopolitical and historical issues.”
“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 wrote in a public statement on May 21.
However, Mone’s statement does not say anything about withdrawing or negating the university’s controversial agreement with pro-Palestinian activists, which calls for a ceasefire, uses Hamas propaganda to accuse Israel of plausible genocide, and labels Israeli detainees (who include militants and terrorists) “hostages,” while demanding their release.
In other words, by not withdrawing the agreement, Mone is apologizing that the university weighed in on “deeply complex geopolitical and historical issues,” while allowing the document that does just that to stand. Furthermore, Mone is not the only person who signed the agreement; it was also signed by Provost Andrew Daire, Vice Chancellor for DEI Chia Vang, and Dean of Students Adam Jussel. The latest statement is in Mone’s name only.
“UWM said the terms of the deal remained intact,” The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, quoting a university spokesperson as saying, “We are focused on moving forward. We are acknowledging the pain this caused for our Jewish community and that we should have been more explicit in our support for this community.”
“In recent days, I have heard from some on our campus and in our Jewish community that our response over the last few months to global events, local protests and the recent encampment left them feeling vulnerable, unsafe and unseen,” Mone wrote in the May 21 statement. “As a leader, educator and friend, this feedback has impacted me greatly.”
Mone’s apology comes after UWM’s decision to allow an anti-Israel encampment to remain on campus for two weeks draw sharp criticism, as did the university’s agreement ending that encampment. The encampment, encircled by a makeshift fence, contained examples of pro Oct. 7 and anti Israel propaganda. It’s not legal to camp on university property.
Three major Jewish organizations called on the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System “to immediately negate this (UWM) agreement and take the aggressive steps necessary to ensure Jewish – and all – students are able to attend UWM and all UW campuses without the threats of harassment, intimidation and hate just because of their identity.”
Wisconsin President Jay Rothman released his own statement, criticizing the UWM agreement and saying he was disappointed in it.
After Mone’s apology on May 21, Rothman wrote, “I appreciate that the chancellor reassessed his approach at UW-Milwaukee regarding the illegal encampments and issued a statement reflecting his apology. Chancellor Mone has dedicated his career to UWM, and I know he is committed to ensuring that all students feel equally welcome, safe, and supported as members of one UWM campus community.”
Wisconsin Right Now published a column by UWM Professor Shale Horowitz, who wrote, “UWM’s leadership supports an effort that can only succeed by killing and expelling Israel’s Jews.” WRN’s co-editor Jessica McBride, a UWM instructor, also penned a column in which she wrote, “The university should not pick a side… Because we all fund the state’s public university, they are essentially using their taxpayer-funded positions of state authority to argue for controversial foreign policy positions that many of us abhor. That’s wrong.”
In his May 21 statement, Mone wrote that, in recent days, “I have heard from some on our campus and in our Jewish community that our response over the last few months to global events, local protests and the recent encampment left them feeling vulnerable, unsafe and unseen. As a leader, educator and friend, this feedback has impacted me greatly.”
“It is clear to me that UWM should not have weighed in on deeply complex geopolitical and historical issues. And for that, I apologize. I acknowledge that it is an increasingly difficult time for many Jewish students at UWM and across America,” he wrote. “I’ve also heard that some students have not felt comfortable reporting their concerns or experiences. This distresses me. The expressions of grief and frustration over the conflict in the Middle East must not destabilize our shared sense of humanity or be twisted into a platform to spread hatred.”
Mone’s statement continued: “Let me be clear: UWM resolutely condemns antisemitism, just as we do Islamophobia and all other forms of hatred. Our campus must be a place that welcomes all students and the full expression of their history, culture, identity and ethnicity. But words alone cannot create the culture of inclusion we desire, which is why we must transform our words into commitment and action. This work will take time, as all hard work does, and it will also take the openness of our entire community.”
The statement concluded, “As we move forward, I am dedicated to continued listening, conversation and engagement with all our students. I recognize that students must first trust that we can better support them before they can feel comfortable sharing their concerns.”
He added, “The path ahead will be grounded in our guiding values. I reaffirm my personal commitment, and that of my leadership team, to advancing an inclusive campus where every student can succeed. I hope you will join me in this work.”
The Journal Sentinel reported that “pro Palestinian groups” slammed the criticism of the agreement as a “new McCarthyism on campus,” saying critics are using “false allegations of antisemitism to shut down the legitimate claims and gains of Palestine solidarity activism on campus.”
See the aftermath of high-speed reckless driving in Milwaukee
Journalist James Causey and his wife narrowly escaped a high-speed chase and accident when an SUV ran past them and through an intersection, colliding with a Mercedes.
Milwaukee County will receive nearly $25 million in federal funding for 67 traffic safety projects along 10 of the county’s most hazardous roadways, according to a Jan. 12 announcement from County Executive David Crowley’s office.
That funding will support upgrades for pedestrian infrastructure, intersections and high-speed corridors in Milwaukee, West Allis, Glendale, Brown Deer, Shorewood and on multiple county highways.
Collectively, these projects could reduce fatal and serious injury crashes in hazardous areas by 26%–50% and save an estimated $1.2 billion in car crash costs over 20 years, according to the announcement.
Preliminary designs are anticipated to begin in 2027, with all projects completed by 2031.
The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant, which the county’s Department of Transportation applied for in 2025 as part of its Complete Communities Transportation Planning Project, an initiative to increase safety and reduce reckless driving across its roadways.
Already, the county has analyzed crash data, identified 25 “Corridors of Concern,” and reviewed potential project opportunities.
Milwaukee County’s award amounts to the third-largest grant in the federal program’s 2025 funding cycle. It will be managed by the county and distributed to the five municipal recipients.
The municipalities will lead the projects and provide a 20% local match to support costs.
More details about the projects’ locations will be posted on the transportation department’s website, according to the announcement.
The 65 infrastructure projects and two studies enabled by the grant aim to improve safety along 10 hazardous roadways the county has identified.
Pedestrian infrastructure upgrades will include high-visibility crosswalks, upgraded pedestrian walk signals, restricting right-turn-on-red options, and sidewalk network expansion.
Intersection upgrades will include traffic signal upgrades, better visibility for pedestrians, bump-outs, and select geometric realignments. High-speed corridor upgrades will entail traffic calming improvements that help drivers stay in their lanes.
One of the projects will also seek to reduce reckless driving on the 16th Street viaduct, the 27th Street viaduct and the 35th Street viaduct.
The grant will also fund a safety analysis study on West Lincoln Avenue between South 124th Street and South 52nd Street, which will issue recommendations for future projects. The grant will also fund a county Department of Transportation report assessing the county’s progress toward the Vision Zero goal.
Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13.
MILWAUKEE – New details are emerging in the death of a pregnant woman found dead after a house fire investigators say was intentionally set, as the man charged in the case appeared in court.
What we know:
21-year-old Cameron Washington appeared Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, where prosecutors outlined allegations tying him to the death of 22-year-old Gladys Johnson-Ball.
Washington faces six felony charges, including first-degree recklessly endangering safety and arson, all connected to the fire that broke out the night of Jan. 5.
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According to the criminal complaint, Johnson-Ball was the mother of Washington’s 3-year-old daughter and was pregnant with another child at the time of her death. Investigators say Washington lived with Johnson-Ball and her family at a home near 26th and Locust.
Police were called to the home for reports of a person with a weapon. When officers arrived, they reported seeing flames on the second floor of the house. While clearing the home, officers found Johnson-Ball unconscious in a bedroom that was on fire.
She was taken outside and pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators noted Johnson-Ball had bruises across her body and blood coming from her nose and mouth, according to the complaint.
The complaint says Johnson-Ball’s mother told police Washington and her daughter had been inside the bedroom together all day and that family members had been unable to reach her. She told investigators Washington would not allow anyone inside the room and pointed a gun at family members.
What they’re saying:
“He was blocking the door like, ‘No you not getting in here,’ then I turned around and that’s when he pointed the gun at my daughter Kayla,” said Michelle Johnson, the victim’s mother.
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Family members told investigators the fire started moments later in the bedroom and Washington ran away from the house. He was later arrested, and police say a lighter was found in his pocket.
“Ultimately, this is extremely dangerous and deliberate behavior,” said Assistant District Attorney Anthony Moore.
Dig deeper:
In court, Washington’s bond was set at $100,000. Prosecutors said he could face more than 50 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Court Commissioner Maria Dorsey noted Washington has not yet been charged with homicide because the medical examiner’s report was not completed when charges were filed.
What’s next:
Washington’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 20.
The Source: Information in this report is from the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court.
The Milwaukee Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a critically missing 15-year-old girl who was last seen with an unknown man.
Esther D. Prado was last seen Sunday, Jan. 11, around 12:30 a.m. near West Fillmore Drive and West Sumac Place. That’s near Jackson Park on the southwest side of Milwaukee.
Esther is described as a white female, 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and may be wearing pink pajamas.
Anyone with information is asked to call MPD’s District 6 at (414) 935-7262.
“Critically missing” is a label police apply to people who may be especially vulnerable due to a variety of factors.
Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@gannett.com.
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