George Washington University Barricades Nearly All Outdoor Campus Spaces Following Anti-Israel Encampment Raid

George Washington University blocked off most outdoor campus spaces on Thursday after clearing out an anti-Israel encampment from the Washington, DC campus the prior day.

Photos taken by The Algemeiner show tall fencing surrounding University Yard (U-Yard), where the almost two-week-long encampment protest took place. The company that installed the fencing has been used by the US Capitol to erect fencing in recent years, according to the GW Hatchet.

Students are unable to enter U-Yard, whether it be from H Street, 21st Street, or 20th Street. It is the primary grassy area on campus and is surrounded by multiple academic buildings — which were largely closed by GW amid the encampment, causing some classes and even finals to be canceled.

Additionally, Kogan Plaza has been fenced off since the beginning of the encampment on April 25. All three entrances remain barricaded and security ensures nobody breaches the barricades. Kogan Plaza is where many significant university events take place. It is also surrounded by the Gelman Library and includes a popular study space.

The fence surrounding Anniversary Park has also been closed and pad-locked. The only major outdoor space not completely closed to students is Square 80.

According to the GW Hatchet, U-Yard and Kogan Plaza will remain closed through commencement. No specific reason was given, but it is likely to prevent a re-occupation of any major university space.

Such fears may have arisen due to the persistence of the protesters as they were being cleared out and even afterward. Within 48 hours of clearing the encampment, its organizers have already planned or carried out three new protests.

At approximately 3:00 am on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) raided the anti-Israel encampment. Previously, Washington, DC’s Mayor, Muriel Bowser, did not allow the encampment to be cleared — despite a request to do so from GW — citing bad optics, according to The Washington Post. 

However, the encampment broke school rules and was unlawful from the beginning, GW President Ellen Granberg noted. It also became increasingly hostile and volatile. Videos showed protesters calling for the execution of Granberg, along with other GW administrators. They also raised the Palestinian flag over U-Yard and desecrated a statue of George Washington.

“Harassing and degrading people based on their beliefs or background, assaulting police officers, illegally occupying and destroying university property, and displaying violent imagery and language are simply unacceptable,” Granberg said in a statement on Wednesday.

After three warnings, the MPD moved in to arrest those who did not leave. When they continued not to comply, at least two officers used pepper spray while confronting those breaking school rules and the law.

Granberg thanked the MPD, writing, “We are also grateful for MPD’s continued assistance and the tireless efforts of our GWPD, security, and maintenance personnel.”