George Washington University President: ‘At no point was this encampment lawful’

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — George Washington University (GWU) President Ellen M. Granberg issued a statement on Sunday that called the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests “illegal and potentially dangerous.”

Sunday marks day 11 of the pro-Palestine encampment and demonstrations on GWU’s Foggy Bottom campus. For nearly two weeks, students, faculty, staff and community members have been calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanding the university divest from any companies helping to fund Israel.

As of Thursday, protesters said eight students had been suspended.

In her statement, Granberg wrote, in part:

There is a dire humanitarian crisis occurring in Gaza that must be addressed, and I am personally grief-stricken by the suffering and loss of innocent lives occurring on both sides of this conflict. I fully support and encourage our community to speak out and engage in controversial and critical dialogues on these crucial issues—as long as they occur within the limits of our university’s policies and the District’s laws. However, what is currently happening at GW is not a peaceful protest protected by the First Amendment or our university’s policies. 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.

Ellen M. Granberg – President, George Washington University

She continued to say that the George Washington University Police Department is not equipped to manage the unprecedented encampment.

“I think the letter really just cements what we already know. which is that the university does not know what to do with us,” said Miriam, a Jewish student who’s one of the organizers of the protest.

“When unlawful activities go beyond these limits, we must rely on the support and experience of the DC Metropolitan Police Department. At this time, the District is in communication with the university, and the DC Metropolitan Police are providing an increased security presence on and around University Yard,” the statement read.

“I think our safety [is] all intertwined – as one people,” Miriam said. “And I know that Jews cannot be safe while Palestinians are being oppressed, and while Palestinians are being bombed and killed or starved.”

The university is pursuing avenues to resolve the situation swiftly and safely, but all efforts so far have failed.

DC News Now reached out to GWU and the Metropolitan Police Department about whether officials plan on dismantling the encampment in the coming days, but have not yet received a response.

Click here for Granberg’s full statement.

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