The initial encampment established Monday morning by UW’s Progressive Student Union now sits across the path from the United Front’s “Popular University for Gaza.” United Front members say they wanted to ensure adequate resources and community support to protect the safety of their members before establishing their “liberated zone.”
“We [UF and PSU] are sharing this space, we are fighting for the same cause which is standing in solidarity with Palestinians,” said United Front member and UW student Isaac, who asked that his last name not be used out of concern for privacy and possible retribution. “We are here in the struggle together.”
The two groups’ demands are identical, calling for the University to divest from Israel, cut its ties with Boeing, and end the repression of pro-Palestinian students, staff and faculty. United Front members say they are working to deliver their demands to UW’s Board of Regents in the coming weeks, and plan to remain on the quad until their demands are met.
A handwritten sign in solidarity with Gaza rests against a tent at the UW encampment on Thursday, May 3. (Scarlet Hansen for Cascade PBS)
Since the establishment of Columbia University students’ Gaza solidarity encampment on April 17, students at dozens of universities have echoed their demands for university divestment from Israel. The nationwide student movement has resulted in more than 2,000 arrests and has put university administrations under intense scrutiny.
In recent weeks, The Evergreen State College in Olympia agreed to explore divestment from Israel-linked companies, and Portland State University has paused donations from Boeing following significant student pressure.
“I think it is really powerful to see the amount of power that students hold, especially when they all come together,” said United Front member and UW student Oviya, who asked that their last name not be used out of concern for privacy and possible retribution. “We are hoping that the administration will feel the pressure and address our demands.”
The two encampments have grown steadily over the past few days, with close to 85 tents on the UW quad by Thursday evening, including a medic tent, food tent, library, mutual aid tent, welcome center and a media center. The group has also implemented security and a de-escalation team.
The demonstration has remained peaceful since its establishment.
“It feels like a welcoming, beautiful, uplifting space as a Jewish person,” said UW Jewish Voice for Peace member Joe, who asked that his last name not be used out of concern for privacy. “This movement has brought me closer to my Jewish identity in so many ways.”
The university’s response has remained consistent since Monday, stating they will continue to monitor the situation and respond as appropriate to maintain a safe and secure environment on campus.
CLARIFICATION: This version of the story clarifies the actions of nearby university universities concerning their connections with Israel-linked companies.
Signs sit outside the encampment's library tent on the UW campus on Thursday, May 3. (Scarlet Hansen for Cascade PBS)
