Five University of Minnesota Board of Regents had their homes vandalized early last Thursday, in apparent protest of the board’s decision to sell 60 acres of UMore Park land for an aerospace development facility. The targeted properties include those of Regents Penny Wheeler, Robyn Gulley, Janie Mayeron, James Farnsworth, and the parents of Regent Mike Kenyanya.
Protesters spray-painted messages such as “NO MISSILES” across walkways and driveways, and an anonymous letter was left urging regents to reverse the sale. One message included stronger language targeting the regents publicly. Police are currently investigating, although no arrests have been made.
The controversy stems from the May decision to sell approximately 60 acres in Rosemount to North Wind Test LLC for about $8 million. North Wind intends to develop a hypersonic missile test site at the Minnesota Aerospace Complex. Critics argue the university is complicit in advancing deadly weapons systems.
University officials condemned the vandalism. President Rebecca Cunningham emphasized that while peaceful protest is permissible, threatening behavior and property damage cross a line.
