George Washington University Cracks Down on Hateful Israel Protest, Seven Students Suspended

George Washington University authorities issued a statement saying that they would not tolerate “hateful language” and declared that the student protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza, which has been taking place on campus for five days, violates university rules. President Ellen Granberg and Provost Chris Bracey said in their joint statement: “The encampment on University Yard violates our clearly defined rules of conduct and behaviour. Further, the actions of some protesters have been highly offensive to many members of our community.” They added that the protest was jeopardising university priorities and that “hateful language being displayed has no place on our campus”. When university authorities moved protesters away from an alternate site last night with the support of Metropolitan Police Department, more than 200 students returned to University Yard. Students reportedly chanted: “‘We’re not leaving!’ Mood. 2am. GWU Campus.” They were seen dancing around torn-down barriers and vandalising statues by spraying “Free Gaza” on the base of a statue honouring George Washington, the university founder. Other students from nearby Howard University also joined in with protests. The university has already suspended seven protesters over their role in Friday’s demonstrations at University Park. Nine charges were issued against each student for misconduct during those events.