Protest disbanded after UW agreed to open a Center for Scholarship of Palestine, convene a military industrial and labor task force, and representation on a divestment committee
Protests, including rallies, demonstrations, and vigils related to the Israel–Hamas war have occurred across the U.S. since the conflict's start on October 7, 2023, alongside other Israel–Hamas war protests around the world. Protests on the campus of the UW began on October 10, 2023, with a candlelight vigil held by Students Supporting Israel and attended by Jewish community leaders, mourning the deaths of Jews killed in the October 7 attack, including UW graduate Hayim Katsman, who was murdered in the Holit massacre.[4][5] Two days later, Students United for Palestinian Equality & Return held a day of resistance and protest for Palestine, filling Red Square with protesters and counter-protesters.[6]
Protests continued through the fall into 2024.[7][8] In late-April 2024, the protests escalated, following similar protest movements across the country, with protesters demanding the University of Washington divest from Boeing, a major regional employer that protesters say has aided and profited from the Israeli occupation of Gaza.[9]
Timeline
The protest began April 29 with a couple dozen protesters occupying the University of Washington Quad. The protest had been planned for the previous week but was delayed after criticisms emerged that the group had not originally included Palestinians, Muslims, and Arabs in planning.[1]
By May 3, the occupation of the Quad had grown to over 100 protesters.[10]
On May 7, Turning Point USA founder and right-wing activist Charlie Kirk visited campus. Protesters barricaded entrances and argued with Kirk's supporters.[11]
The protest disbanded on May 20 after university administration agreed to open a Center for Scholarship of Palestine, convene a military industrial and labor task force, and representation on a divestment committee.[12]
