Protest at George Washington Cleared Before Mayor Bowser’s House Testimony
Early Wednesday, police started clearing a Pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., following the departure of dozens of protesters who then marched to President Ellen Granberg’s residence.
GW Hatchet, the university’s independent student-run newspaper, reported that officers issued a final warning to demonstrators around 3:30 a.m., stating that those who remained in U-Yard and the area of H Street in front of the plaza would be arrested.
The university had previously warned of possible suspensions for students participating in protest activities on University Yard.
In a statement, the university expressed its commitment to upholding students’ right to free expression but deemed the encampment to be engaging in unlawful activities that violated multiple university policies and city regulations.
Local media outlets reported incidents of pepper spray being used on some protesters as police prevented them from entering the encampment, resulting in nearly 30 arrests according to community organizers.
The prior evening, protesters carrying signs advocating for “Free Palestine” and “Hands off Rafah” marched to Granberg’s home, prompting police intervention to maintain order, although no arrests were made.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and MPD Chief Pamela Smith are scheduled to testify at a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing about the District’s response to the protest on Wednesday afternoon.
On Tuesday, a pro-Palestinian tent encampment was also cleared at the University of Chicago after administrators shifted from a permissive stance to addressing growing safety concerns regarding the protest.
University President Paul Alivisatos acknowledged the importance of freedom of speech but emphasized the need to maintain a functioning community free of disruptive influences.
Across the U.S. and Europe, tensions have escalated in confrontations with protesters on various campuses, with ongoing protests sparked by an initial demonstration at Columbia University. While some schools have taken swift action against protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, others have shown patience but are now facing disruptions to campus life, safety concerns, and involvement of nonstudents.
Approximately 2,600 individuals have been arrested on 50 campuses since April 18, based on AP reporting and statements from universities and law enforcement agencies.
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