George Washington University Students Protest Israeli-US Actions in Gaza, Demand Divestment

Students at George Washington University (GWU) have established an encampment protest on campus to protest the war in Gaza and demand that the university divest from Israel-connected companies. The protests are part of a larger nationwide reckoning on college campuses, with similar demonstrations occurring at schools like Columbia University, the University of Texas in Austin, Emerson College, and the University of Southern California.

The GWU students and activists organized a 24-hour encampment protest on the school's downtown campus, calling for the university to cut ties with Israel and protect the free speech of pro-Palestinian student organizers. The protest, which included about 30 tents and hundreds of people at its peak, was a culmination of months of tension on campus over the Israel-Gaza war.

The students are demanding that GWU publicly support a ceasefire in Gaza and divest from companies that support Israel's war efforts. The university has threatened to suspend and bar from campus any students who refuse to leave the encampment, considering them trespassers. GWU is working with the Metropolitan Police Department to ensure the safety and security of the campus, and has said it will pursue disciplinary actions against the students involved in the unauthorized demonstrations.

Why this matters: The protests at GWU and other universities highlight the growing activism among students regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The demonstrations are putting pressure on universities to reevaluate their ties to companies connected to Israel's actions in Gaza.

The GW Hillel, a Jewish student organization, has condemned the protests, stating that they align with terrorist organizations and promote hate against an entire religion and people. "This is not a fight for justice but an embrace of hate," the organization said in a statement.

The protests in the nation's capital are colliding with a weekend of festivities surrounding the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The encampment was seen as a symbolic act, with the protesters highlighting the proximity of the protest to the State Department and the White House, which they were demanding justice from. As the demonstrations continue, university officials are grappling with how to balance student activism, campus safety, and potential disruptions to university operations.

Key Takeaways

• GWU students set up encampment protest against Israel-Gaza war, demand university divestment.
• Protests part of nationwide campus activism on Israeli-Palestinian conflict, similar demos at other schools.
• GWU threatens to suspend, bar students who refuse to leave encampment, considers them trespassers.
• GW Hillel condemns protests, says they align with terrorist groups and promote hate against Jews.
• Protests collide with White House Correspondents' Dinner, university grapples with balancing activism and safety.