Pro-Palestinian Protesters Occupy University of Washington Building

SEATTLE — Pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the University of Washington‘s Interdisciplinary Engineering Building on May 5, 2024, demanding the university sever its financial ties with Boeing.

The protest began around 5 p.m. when a group, associated with Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return UW (SUPER UW), entered the building to voice their concerns. The demonstrators stated they would not leave until their three demands were met.

These demands include cutting all financial and educational connections with Boeing, turning the building into a community-controlled space focused on people-centered education, and ending what they described as repressive measures against pro-Palestine activism.

A spokesperson for SUPER UW, Eric Horford, emphasized the group’s desire to remove the influence of Boeing from the educational space. “We’re hoping to expose the repressive tactics of the university,” he said.

Protesters gathered outside the IEB, singing and speaking while a smaller group moved furniture to create blockades at the entrances. UW police reported that the protest involved a few dozen demonstrators, but the crowd outside continued to grow.

Boeing has made significant contributions to the university, including a $10 million donation for the IEB, which has raised concerns over the defense contracts associated with the company that reportedly support military actions in Gaza.

In a statement, UW police noted that individuals remaining in the building would be subject to trespassing charges. “To the best of our knowledge, everyone connected to the UW who does not want to be inside the building has left,” the police reported.

The university did not respond to immediate requests for comments. The incident occurs in the backdrop of increased tensions around student protests concerning Palestinian issues as federal authorities apply pressure on universities against such activism. Police were seen entering the building later in the evening.

This protest reflects a broader narrative as student activism regarding Palestine has surged, particularly as past demonstrations on campus have created significant visibility for these issues.

This story is developing, and further updates are anticipated as the situation unfolds.