Police clear pro-Palestinian encampment at George Washington University

Washington Mayor and Police Chief testify at Congress

Washington, DC –

The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, cleared out a pro-Palestinian encampment on George Washington University’s campus early Wednesday and arrested 30 protesters there and three others in a separate altercation, according to Police Chief Pamela A. Smith. The action took place just hours before Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chief Smith were set to testify at Congress for the House Oversight Committee on the response to the encampment. However, the hearing was later canceled and James Comer, the House Oversight Chair, took credit for spurring action.

Protests at universities

GW is one of many universities across the country where pro-Palestinian protesters have set up unauthorized camps and demonstrated against Israel’s war in Gaza and US support for the country. Since mid-April, there have been more than 2,400 arrests on US campuses amidst polarized debates over the right to protest, the limits of free speech, and accusations of antisemitism.

Clearing of the encampment

The pro-Palestinian encampment at GW was established about two weeks ago in the University Yard. It quickly grew, with a partner community of tents spreading onto the neighboring public street. The encampment was cleared after protesters removed metal barriers erected around the area. The Metropolitan Police Department worked in coordination with the GW administration and police to disperse the demonstrators from the campus and surrounding streets. Police officers arrested the protesters for assault on a police officer and unlawful entry.

Protests at additional universities

UMass-Amherst

In addition to GW, police cleared out encampments and arrested protesters at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. At FIT, 50 people were arrested, according to the NYPD, after a large crowd gathered during a pro-Palestinian protest. At UMass-Amherst, the chancellor requested the police to dismantle an encampment. The number of arrests at UMass-Amherst is currently unknown.

Concerns raised and response from protesting students

GW President’s concerns

GW President Ellen Granberg has criticized the encampment, stating that it disrupted normal academic activities and created safety concerns.

Protesters’ response

Dante O’Hara, the lead organizer of DC for Ceasefire Now Coalition, a group critical of Israel’s war in Gaza, called on the House Oversight Committee to halt military aid to Israel. O’Hara blamed Congress for causing the protests and urged them to take responsibility.

Continued university operations

Despite the police action, GW University informed students that final exams would proceed as scheduled. However, police and security personnel will maintain a presence in the University Yard and the surrounding area. The yard will remain closed until the end of commencement on May 19.

Conclusion

Pro-Palestinian encampments at universities across the US continue to be a source of controversy and conflict. As police take action to disperse protesters, debates surrounding the right to protest, freedom of speech, and accusations of antisemitism persist. The response of university officials, law enforcement, and government representatives carries high stakes as they navigate the delicate balance between upholding public safety and respecting the protestors’ rights to voice their concerns.