US Investigates Pro-Palestinian Protest at University of Washington
United States: On Tuesday, the U.S. government announced a formal review of the University of Washington (UW) following a protest in which pro-Palestinian activists occupied a campus building. The demonstrators demanded UW cut business ties with Boeing, citing the company’s military contracts with Israel, Reuters reported.
Trump Administration Labels the Protest as Antisemitic
President Donald Trump’s administration condemned the protest as antisemitic. In a joint statement, the Departments of Education, Health, and General Services said the incident involved “antisemitic harassment and violence,” and urged the university to revise its security policies.
30 Protesters Arrested After Building Occupation
University officials confirmed that 30 pro-Palestinian activists were arrested late Monday night during the occupation. Prosecutors are considering charges of trespassing, property destruction, and disorderly conduct. While some detainees were later released, the situation remains tense on campus.
Antifa rioters have captured University of Washington demanding America to remove it’s ties with Israel
— Tulsi For President🌺 (@TulsiPotus) May 6, 2025
Leftist radicals are not going to decide America’s foreign policy, Seattle cops are taking care of them well. #Antifa #Israel pic.twitter.com/BdUbRUvjIr
Spotlight on Boeing’s $10 Million Gift to UW
The protest was sparked in part by Boeing’s $10 million donation to UW in 2022 for an engineering facility. Activists have criticized the university for maintaining corporate ties with a defense contractor supplying military equipment to Israel.
Administration Threatens Federal Funding Over Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations
The Trump administration has warned that universities may lose federal support if they allow or endorse pro-Palestinian activism opposing Israel’s military operations in Gaza — which began after the Hamas attacks in October 2023. Reports also suggest the administration explored deporting certain student protesters.
Free Speech Advocates Push Back
Civil liberties groups and academic freedom defenders are pushing back, accusing the administration of overreach. Critics say that labeling peaceful protest as antisemitic undermines legitimate political dissent and misrepresents student advocacy, as reported by Reuters.
Chaos erupted at UW last night after pro-Palestinian protesters took over an engineering building, renamed it “Shaban al-Dalou,” and barricaded the entrances with scooters and furniture. A fire was set. 30+ arrests made. Seattle police cleared the scene by morning. 👮♂️💥 pic.twitter.com/OzoEzHeBvq
— SEATTLESUBMISSIONS (@SEATTLESUBMISS) May 6, 2025
Protest Debate Grows: Antisemitism or Activism?
Trump describes the protests as Hamas and antisemitic support yet Jewish activists and groups contest this characterization. They defend their objection to Israeli military operations by referencing human rights violations rather than hating on Israel.
