SEATTLE — Organizers of a pro-Palestinian encampment on the University of Washington campus have reached an agreement with administrators.
The university and United Front for Palestinian Liberation announced the agreement Friday, which calls for protesters to remove tents from the Quad by May 20 at 3 p.m. The encampment, which has been in place since the end of April, will not be reestablished, according to the agreement.
As part of the deal, the university agreed to some of the protesters’ demands, including the following:
- If the criteria are met to establish an Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing, two representatives recommended by the United Front for Palestinian Liberation will be advanced to the committee
- Waiving tuition for at least 20 Palestinian students from Gaza
- Establish a faculty committee to recommend changes to study abroad programs
- Help faculty pursue academic connections with Palestinian universities
- UW will be transparent about investment holdings and fund managers and have no direct investments in Boeing, major weapons manufacturers, or companies domiciled in Israel
Read the full agreement here.
"Despite the backlash many of us might receive about this deal, how imperfect it is, how it's not a victory, the consensus from my community, the Palestinian, Arab, Muslim community, agree this was the right decision to make," said Palestinian UW law student Yoseph Ghazal. "Given how the movement nationwide has begun to fizzle out for liberation camps, given that school's almost over, this was the right call, and I as someone who was entrenched in this process I think it was the right call, but it's not over."
In a statement, UW President Ana Mari Cauce said the agreement was consistent with the university’s values and governance and reiterated that the university will follow its policies for the management of its endowment.
“I’m pleased to reach this resolution so that our campus can begin to heal – including by coming together for Commencement next month – and so that once again all UW community members, regardless of religion, race or national origin, can live, learn and work without fear,” Cauce said.
The university said it would forgo citations or conduct violations for camping at the Quad. However, other incidents of vandalism, harassment or discrimination would continue to be investigated.
"It is disappointing to not be able to fully meet all of our demands," said Juliette Majid, a media liaison for the UW United Front for Palestinian Liberation. "We acknowledge and will want to ensure that folks know we are not considering this a victory. The only victory we will ever really consider is Palestinian liberation in full."
The UW encampment was part of nationwide protests on college campuses, some of which had reports of violence and led to police clashing with protesters. As of Friday afternoon, some tents remained on the quad, but far fewer than earlier in the month.