More than twenty students have been permitted to return to the University of Washington, months after their involvement in a significant pro-Palestinian demonstration that resulted in over one million dollars in damages. The incident, which occurred in early May 2025, saw a group of 34 students linked to the Palestinian equality organisation Super UW stage a several-hour occupation of the newly opened Interdisciplinary Engineering Building.
Protest and Occupation Details
The protest was a direct action against the university's relationships with aerospace and defence manufacturer Boeing, and with Israel. The $150 million building, which had received a $10 million contribution from Boeing, had only been operational for a few weeks prior to the occupation. During the event, participants live-streamed their actions, which included barricading themselves inside while dressed in black and displaying Palestinian flags.
Extensive Damage and Vandalism
According to reports from local media, the occupation led to substantial vandalism and destruction. Walls were defaced with graffiti, doors were glued shut with epoxy, dumpsters were set alight, windows were shattered, and newly installed laboratory equipment was destroyed. Graffiti messages included statements such as 'Boeing kills' and 'Boeing is the #1 weapons manufacturer to Israel, this building is NOT.'
Undergraduate student William Ngo expressed shock upon seeing the aftermath, telling reporters, 'I was like, 'Wow, what on earth happened?'' He added, 'I never thought this would happen, locking yourself into a building or barricading yourself in. It's just unheard of here.'
Student Conduct Review and Return
All arrested students were initially suspended, and a criminal investigation was launched. On Wednesday, Vice President of Campus Community Safety Sally Clark confirmed to news outlets that 23 of the involved students have been allowed to return to their classes following a comprehensive student conduct review. The university has stated that this process is designed to hold students accountable and can have serious implications for their academic and professional futures.
However, the institution could not confirm exactly how many of those students have actually chosen to resume their studies on campus. Clark emphasised that the decision to allow their return was made after careful consideration through the established disciplinary framework.
Ongoing Criminal Investigation
Despite the student conduct outcomes, the criminal case remains unresolved more than eight months after the incident. Clark acknowledged that accountability for the extensive financial damages is an 'ongoing issue' that falls outside the student conduct process. She declined to comment on whether criminal charges are being pursued, though she suggested it would be a 'mischaracterisation' to state that no charges have been filed.
The King County Prosecutor's Office has indicated it is still awaiting additional details from the university before making any charging decisions. Clark stated that information has been forwarded by the University of Washington Police Department (UWPD), and she expressed hope that charges would eventually be filed, calling a scenario without any 'a shame' and a missed opportunity.
Security and Police Response Scrutiny
The UWPD faced criticism following the protest, with some alleging a 'bungled investigation.' Critics pointed to a lack of surveillance cameras inside the engineering building and limited coverage at entry points. Clark defended the department's efforts, stating they 'have worked extremely hard from that night.'
In response to the incident, the university has since installed additional cameras both inside and outside the building. Spokesperson Casey McNertheny from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office denied that authorities mishandled the case, attributing delays to the 'difficulty of case law.'
Community Reactions and Broader Context
The protest and its aftermath have drawn strong reactions from various campus communities. Ana Sarna, co-founder of the University of Washington's Jewish Alumni Association, told media, 'We're really disturbed by it. When you don't have any accountability, then people are emboldened to do something worse.'
The university has firmly condemned the protest tactics, issuing a statement that read, 'The University will not be intimidated by this sort of horrific and destructive behavior and will not engage in dialogue with any group using or condoning such destructive tactics.' It reaffirmed its century-long partnership with Boeing.
In March, the Board of Regents voted against pursuing divestment from Boeing or similar companies, arguing that such a move would violate principles of academic freedom. The protest was framed by participants as a response to Boeing's role in supplying weapons used in Gaza, where, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israeli military actions have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties.
