In a show of solidarity with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, students at the University of Washington in Seattle, Evergreen State College in Olympia, and the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma have established protest encampments on their respective campuses. These demonstrations, mirroring similar actions across the country, aim to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and advocate for divestment from Israel.
The significance of these encampments lies in the inspiration they draw from the protests at Columbia University. Thousands of students nationwide have joined this movement, setting up encampments at more than 100 college campuses across the United States, aiming to voice their opposition to Israel’s actions in the war with Hamas.
However, these demonstrations have not come without consequences. Arrests have been made, faculty members have staged walkouts, and educational institutions find themselves grappling with the balancing act of protecting free speech rights while addressing concerns about student safety, hate speech, and the rise of antisemitism.
Recent developments include the Evergreen State College’s agreement to establish a task force dedicated to addressing “divestment from companies that profit from gross human rights violations and/or the occupation of Palestinian Territories,” as reported by the school’s student newspaper.
At the University of Washington, one of two separate encampments is pressuring the university to divest from Israel and put an end to the alleged repression of pro-Palestinian students, staff, and faculty, according to UW’s The Daily. Additionally, protesters are calling for the university to sever ties with Boeing, a company that provides various products to the Israel Defence Forces, as stated on Boeing’s website.
Meanwhile, Portland State University remains closed following the occupation of the Millar Library by pro-Palestinian protesters. Negotiations between the university and the demonstrators broke down Tuesday night, leading to the continued closure of the campus. University administrations across the country are faced with the challenge of responding to the growing size and intensity of these protests while ensuring the safety and well-being of their students.
Over the past two weeks, more than 1,300 individuals have been arrested at pro-Palestinian protests on at least 40 college campuses throughout the United States. Most of these arrests have occurred at large encampments and sit-ins, where clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement have taken place.