Palestinian Protests Continue at GWU, University Warns of Disciplinary Action Against Students

The protests for Palestinian rights continued into their second day on George Washington University’s campus. Students and professors from various DMV area schools gathered to call for divestment from Israeli-related companies, leading GWU administration to demand protesters vacate the grounds by 7 pm yesterday evening. However, some students refused to leave, with one Palestinian American student stating that they will not depart until forced out. The university has since warned of disciplinary action against those involved in these unauthorized demonstrations which have disrupted campus operations for two days running. As tensions rise over antisemitism and free speech on elite campuses across the US, similar protests have emerged at other universities nationwide. Protesters’ demands include transparency regarding university funding sources, divestment from Israeli companies involved in Palestinian oppression, as well as ending all academic partnerships with Israel institutions. Some pro-Palestine advocates dismissed criticism that these protests were antisemitic and/or pro Hamas allegations termed “horrible”, and distancing themselves vehemently stating there’s a huge distinction between condemning the Israeli state’s crimes against Palestinians, including genocide of over 1500 children and mass graves with nearly three hundred bodies – not Jewish faith teachings. As one protestor put it: “There is a difference between safety and comfort.”