One week in: Pro-Palestine encampment at George Washington University enters 7th day
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Pro-Palestine demonstrators at George Washington University (GWU) are digging in their heels for a seventh day now.
The big question is whether the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will break up the encampment on campus now that police in other cities have begun to do so.
Forceful arrests have been made at the University of Texas, New York University and the University of North Carolina.
GOP leaders call for DC, Metropolitan police to remove encampment at George Washington University
In a joint letter sent Tuesday, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Congressman James Comer criticized how the District has been handling the demonstration.
“If the District of Columbia and MPD refuse to exercise their authority to assist GWU in securing the safety of its students and faculty, Congress will be obliged to exercise its legislative powers to do so,” the letter said in part.
The Mayor released a statement saying the District supports peaceful protests and relies on MPD’s expertise to decide when intervention is needed.
It will also ensure people have access to streets, parks and safe conditions.
MPD said in a statement that it supports peaceful First Amendment activities and they are monitoring the situation.
For the past week, protesters at GWU have been calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. They are also demanding the university divest from any companies helping fund Israel.
Jewish student Lily Mendelson said the protests are disruptive.
“And it’s you know, it takes up a lot of mental space when you’re like, I’m trying to learn a hard subject and there’s people out there who have violent views,” she said.
Others say it is important to ensure the right to free speech and protest.
“When you see riot police intervening in a peaceful protest, that can be deeply chilling,” said Graham Piro, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.
The Mayor’s Office said Bowser did meet with GWU officials on Tuesday, but did not disclose what was discussed during the meeting.
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