Anti-Israel agitators at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. have set up an encampment in the U-Yard of the campus, complete with tents, Palestinian flags, and defaced statues of former President George Washington with Palestinian iconography. The protesters are demanding that the university divest from all companies that trade with Israel and reveal all investment information to students. They are now urging administrators not to call the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department to clear the encampment, as they claim to be peaceful and organized.
The president of GWU, Ellen Granberg, has stated that the ongoing encampment is unlawful and potentially dangerous. She supports students in engaging in dialogues on crucial issues within the limits of the university’s policies and D.C. laws, but believes that the current situation at GWU is not a peaceful protest protected by the First Amendment. Granberg has asked for support from the MPD to provide security assistance to ensure the safety of students and faculty on campus.
The anti-Israel encampment has vowed not to disperse until their demands are met, stating that they will only leave if the university complies 100% with what they are asking for. A senior at GWU, Skyler Sieradzky, participated in a counterprotest where she and others held Israeli flags. She reported being harassed and spat at by the anti-Israel protesters in response to their demonstration, indicating a lack of tolerance and respect for opposing viewpoints.
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability has announced plans to hold a hearing titled “Oversight of D.C.’s Response to Unlawful Activity and Antisemitism,” which will examine the responses of university and city leaders to the anti-Israel demonstration at GWU. The committee has extended invitations to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and MPD Chief Pamela Smith to testify on how they have handled the situation. Chairman James Comer of the committee expressed deep concern over reports that the MPD had rejected GWU’s request for help in removing the protesters from campus and public lands.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, and will address the refusal of the MPD to assist GWU in removing the protesters. The committee is disturbed by the reports of radical, antisemitic, and unlawful protests occurring at GWU and surrounding public lands, and views the lack of assistance from the MPD as unacceptable. The situation reflects national concerns over security and safety on college campuses, especially in relation to controversial and critical discussions about important political issues.
The encampment at George Washington University has escalated into an illegal and potentially dangerous occupation of university property, prompting concerns from students, faculty, and lawmakers about the response from university and city leaders. The actions of the protesters, including defacing statues and harassing counterprotesters, highlight the need for a peaceful and respectful dialogue on complex issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The upcoming hearing by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability will shed light on the challenges faced by universities in balancing freedom of speech with the safety and security of their communities.
