University of Washington Campus Rocked by Massive Student Protests: Learn Their Demands

 

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been increasingly common on dozens of US college campuses, taking place against the backdrop of ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. However, students at the University of Washington in Seattle have also been protesting to have their own demands met.

Thousands of students have already been arrested at schools like Columbia University and UCLA for similar demonstrations. At UW, protesters have been camped in the campus quad since Monday, vowing not to leave until administrators address their requests.

The demands made by UW student protesters include: 1) Ending repression of pro-Palestinian faculty and staff, 2) Divesting from Israel and companies profiting from genocide, 3) Severing ties with Boeing, and 4) Securing a fair contract for academic student employees (ASEs). While some demands align with other university protests, uniquely calling for cuts with Boeing given its donations to UW.

In a separate demonstration, academic student employees at UW held a sit-in at Bagley Hall recently to advocate for a fair union contract during negotiations. These students serving as teaching assistants, researchers, tutors, and graders belong to UAW Local 4121, hoping to increase proposed wages and benefits for ASEs. The university and union aim to reach an agreement soon.

President Joe Biden said order needs to be maintained on campuses across America. This came just after police arrested over 130 student protesters at UCLA that morning who were showing solidarity with Palestinians.