In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the police took action to disperse a pro-Palestinian encampment at George Washington University’s campus. This development coincided with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee’s decision to cancel a scheduled hearing with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser regarding the District’s handling of the ongoing demonstrations.
Hundreds of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at H Street to disperse the crowd at University Yard, where student protests began on April 25, as reported by The GW Hatchet, the student paper.
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In their statement on Wednesday, the police acknowledged their efforts to deescalate tensions and prioritize the safety of the students. However, they expressed concern over the increasing volatility of the protest, despite their implementation of non-arrest methods.
Videos circulating on social media depict students protesting outside the residence of university President Ellen Granberg in Washington D.C. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) collaborated with the George Washington University (GW) administration and campus police to disperse the demonstrators from both the campus premises and the surrounding streets.
Following a letter from Granberg to local D.C. officials on Sunday, the police have taken action to increase their presence around the demonstrations. Students have criticized Granberg for allegedly refusing to meet with organizers to discuss their demands. This information was reported by the Hatchet.
In a statement, James Comer (R-Ky.), the Oversight Chair, announced that the scheduled hearing on the protests for later Wednesday was no longer required.
During the clearing on Wednesday, protesters were subjected to the use of pepper spray by at least two officers, as reported by the Hatchet. A video that circulated online captured the moment when protesters were sprayed and subsequently retreated from the officers.
During a press conference on Wednesday morning, MPD confirmed that no officers suffered serious injuries. When questioned about the possibility of students organizing protests in other areas of the campus, MPD stated that the decision ultimately rests with Granberg. However, they emphasized that students will no longer be permitted to establish encampments in the university quad area.
According to The Associated Press, GW has stated its commitment to safeguarding students’ freedom of expression. However, they have deemed the encampment to be in violation of both university policies and city regulations, thus constituting an unlawful activity.
The university released a statement later on Wednesday, stating that both the GW Police Department and MPD issued warnings to the demonstrators to leave. Those who chose to remain were subsequently arrested.
The university has declared that the campus will stay open and that final examinations will continue as planned. In addition, there will be an elevated police presence on University Yard and the neighboring vicinity. These areas will remain closed until the conclusion of the commencement ceremony on May 19.
The protests at GW reflect similar demonstrations taking place at college campuses nationwide. Demonstrators have been calling on their universities to divest from Israeli companies or companies that provide weapons to Israel, which has resulted in over 2,000 arrests thus far.
