WASHINGTON — George Washington University (GWU) President Ellen M. Granberg issued a statement on Sunday amid ongoing campus protests regarding the Israel-Hamas war.
Although she says she believes the issues at the heart of this protest are important, what is happening on campus is no longer peaceful and will not be tolerated.
In a statement she writes, "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, she says what is happening at GW can no longer be classified as peaceful. In fact, she says demonstrations have grown into "what can only be classified as an illegal and potentially dangerous occupation of GW property." As she calls for a increased police presence around University Yard.
Sunday marks day 11 of the pro-Palestine encampment and demonstrations on both sides on GWU's campus. Granberg says in the last five days, some protestors have overrun barriers, vandalized a university statue and flag, surrounded and intimidated students with antisemitic images and hateful language, chased people out of a public yard, and ignored, degraded, and pushed GW Police officers and university maintenance staff. Therefore, she says the protests are no longer peaceful or productive.
Granberg also says it's important to note that at no point was the encampment lawful, and as soon as students decided to establish an encampment on University Yard, they were in direct violation of multiple university policies and were trespassing.
That being said, Granberg claims the university is committed to protecting students' rights to free expression, and even offered a secure alternative protest site, but this offer was repeatedly refused.
Finally, she says the demonstration on campus has outgrown the student body, and been co-opted by people who are unaffiliated with the GW community, making the situation even more dangerous.
Adding that the university is unequipped to deal with the growing demonstrations, and is calling on community partners, including the Metropolitan Police Department, to step in.
To read the Granberg's full statement, click here.
WATCH NEXT:
Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing newstips@wusa9.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9
DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android
HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.
For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "WUSA9" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.