Anti-Israel protesters at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. have been camped out on campus for 13 days, demanding that the university divest from companies that trade with Israel and reveal all investment information. The protesters have erected tents, displayed Palestinian flags, and defaced a statue of former President George Washington with Palestinian iconography. They are now urging administrators not to call the police to clear their encampment, stating that they are peaceful and organized and have instructed participants not to engage with police.
The protesters have vowed not to disperse until their demands are met and have made it clear that they will only leave if the university complies 100% with their demands. University President Ellen Granberg has stated that the ongoing encampment is unlawful and potentially dangerous. The university has asked for support from the Metropolitan Police Department to provide security assistance on and around campus. A House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman has announced a hearing to examine the university and city leaders’ response to the anti-Israel demonstration, expressing deep concern over reports that MPD rejected GWU’s request for help in removing the protesters.
Student organizer Reem Lababdi has emphasized that the protesters are disciplined and organized. The protesters have engaged in various activities at their encampment, such as peaceful study, political education, and religious services. The protesters have also responded to counterprotests with harassment and even spitting. A senior at George Washington University, Skyler Sieradzky, participated in a counterprotest where she and others stood silently holding an Israeli flag, but faced harassment from the anti-Israel protesters.
University President Granberg supports and encourages the community to engage in controversial and critical dialogues within the limits of the university’s policies and the District’s laws. She has called the ongoing demonstration at GW an illegal and potentially dangerous occupation of university property. The House Oversight Committee plans to hold a hearing on the response to the anti-Israel demonstration, inviting DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and MPD Chief Pamela Smith to testify on how they responded to the situation. The committee is concerned about reports that MPD rejected GWU’s request for help in removing the protesters and considers the refusal to assist in protecting the Jewish student body unacceptable.
The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman announced a full committee hearing titled “Oversight of D.C.’s Response to Unlawful Activity and Antisemitism” to examine the university and city leaders’ response to the anti-Israel demonstration. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, at 1 p.m. and is expected to address the concerns regarding the refusal to assist GWU in protecting the Jewish student body. The protesters at George Washington University continue to demand divestment from companies that trade with Israel and are urging administrators not to call police to clear their encampment.