In a statement, GWU’s president said current protests have been co-opted by individuals unaffiliated with the community and “do not have our community’s best interest in mind.”
Responding to the ongoing protest encampment at George Washington University over alleged Israeli human rights violations in Gaza, the university president stated the causes are important, but outside forces are stirring the conflict.
In a letter addressed to the GWU community Sunday, President Ellen Granberg stated: “It is clear that this is no longer a GW student demonstration,” alleging that the protest “has been co-opted by individuals who are largely unaffiliated with our community and do not have our community’s best interest in mind.”
While stating, “There is a dire humanitarian crisis occurring in Gaza that must be addressed,” Granberg said what was happening at GWU — and other universities around the U.S. — was growing out of control.
“What is currently happening at GW is not a peaceful protest protected by the First Amendment or our university’s policies,” Granberg said. “The demonstration, like many around the country, has grown into what can only be classified as an illegal and potentially dangerous occupation of GW property.”
As point and case, Granberg pointed to the volatile situation that had arisen at GWU in the last week.
“When protesters overrun barriers established to protect the community, vandalize a university statue and flag, surround and intimidate GW students with antisemitic images and hateful rhetoric, chase people out of a public yard based on their perceived beliefs, and ignore, degrade, and push GW Police Officers and university maintenance staff, the protest ceases to be peaceful or productive. All of these things have happened at GW in the last five days,” she said.
Stating that GW campus police are only equipped to handle security during “normal university operations,” Granberg also said the university would continue to reach out to the DC Metropolitan Police Department to help provide security and safety while the protests and encampments continue.
GW students ‘remain steadfast for Gaza’
Ahead of the administration’s statement, a joint release from the George Washington University Student Coalition for Palestine said that protestors would remain steadfast in their protest “despite repression from their genocidal university and state.”
“For nine days, GW President Ellen Granberg and her administration have persistently evaded requests to engage in an open line of communication with a student negotiation team representing the community inside our Liberated Zone,” the organization said. “Despite repeated attempts from…
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