Anti-Israel demonstrators gathered outside the residence of George Washington University President Ellen Granberg on Tuesday evening. Protesters chanted slogans like “We the students have the power” and “Granberg in your ivory tower” while accusing her of complicity in genocide.
Before marching through the streets of Washington, DC, over 1,000 individuals gathered at a pro-Palestinian encampment on GWU’s campus for a rally. In response, Granberg acknowledged the importance of the issues raised by the protesters but criticized the demonstration for turning into an illegal and potentially dangerous occupation of university property.
The protesters vandalized a statue of George Washington on campus and engaged in intimidating behavior towards fellow students. The encampment, established on April 25, is part of a nationwide movement that originated at Columbia University on April 17.
Students from various universities, including American University, Gallaudet University, George Mason University, University of Maryland, and GWU, are demanding divestment from companies supporting Israel, transparency in endowments and investments, termination of academic partnerships with Israel, and protection of pro-Palestinian speech on campuses.
Truth Voices attempted to reach the Metropolitan Police Department for a statement, but no response was received at the time of publication.