At the University of Washington, an intense demonstration unfolded as more than 25 individuals were arrested after occupying an academic building, demanding that the school sever its longstanding ties with Boeing in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protesters, organized under the group name Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW), took over the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB) and raised concerns over Boeing’s involvement in defense contracts tied to the ongoing conflict. The protest, which took place on the evening of March 5, 2025, was prompted by the group’s belief that Boeing’s business relationships with the university were complicit in the war efforts that have led to widespread destruction in Gaza.
The peaceful yet passionate demonstration began in the afternoon and escalated as protesters entered the building just before it was scheduled to close. According to university officials, several dozen individuals entered the IEB, covering their faces and moving furniture near entryways to prevent police from easily accessing the building. This action, although peaceful, violated university policies and led to a swift response from campus police.
The university issued a statement acknowledging the protesters’ actions, stating that their presence was both disruptive and illegal. “To the best of our knowledge, everyone connected to the UW who does not want to be inside the building has left,” the statement read. “Individuals remaining in the building are trespassing and will face legal and student conduct actions.” However, as tensions rose, the police were called, and the arrested individuals were taken into custody.
According to Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return spokesperson Oliver Marchant, all individuals involved in the building occupation were arrested. The group’s statement emphasized that some of those arrested were injured during the arrest and were in need of medical attention. “They were all arrested and legal and political support is ongoing for them,” Marchant added, underscoring the group’s commitment to advocating for the rights of Palestinians and their opposition to Boeing’s involvement in the conflict.
The group’s occupation of the IEB was centered around a set of demands for the university. These included not only the removal of Boeing’s influence from the building but also a call for the university to end its ties with the aerospace and defense giant altogether. Boeing, which has been a major donor to the University of Washington, played a significant role in the construction of the IEB, contributing approximately $10 million to the $90 million project. The relationship between Boeing and the university, which spans over a century, has been a source of controversy for some, especially in light of Boeing’s military contracts, which include the production of weapons used in various global conflicts, including the one in Gaza.
In addition to their demand for Boeing’s removal from the IEB, the group also called for a comprehensive reevaluation of the university’s financial relationship with Boeing. “Return any existing donations, financial investments, and eliminate all other material ties to Boeing,” the group demanded. “Prohibit Boeing executives and employees from teaching classes or having any influence over curriculum.” These demands are not only reflective of the growing global opposition to the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza but also part of a larger push within universities across the United States to distance themselves from military-industrial complexes that profit from global conflicts.
The protest comes at a time when student activism regarding the conflict in Gaza has been intensifying. In recent months, students from various universities across the United States have held rallies and demonstrations calling for universities to sever ties with companies that are linked to the military-industrial complex, with many focusing on companies like Boeing that supply weapons and military technology to nations engaged in conflict. At the University of Washington, this protest was part of a larger movement calling for greater institutional accountability and solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
As the protest unfolded, the community in Seattle witnessed a mixture of support and criticism. While some students and faculty members expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, others raised concerns about the legality and ethics of the occupation. The university, which prides itself on being a center for academic excellence and freedom of expression, was faced with the challenge of balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain order on campus.
While the immediate outcome of the protest led to the arrest of several demonstrators, the broader impact on the university community is yet to be fully understood. The university’s stance on Boeing and its relationships with defense contractors will undoubtedly come under increased scrutiny in the coming weeks and months. Additionally, the occupation of the IEB is likely to spark further discussions on the role of universities in perpetuating or challenging global power dynamics, particularly those related to military spending and warfare.
In the days following the protest, a series of statements were issued by both the university and the students involved. The university reaffirmed its commitment to free speech and peaceful protest but also made it clear that unlawful actions, such as trespassing and property damage, would not be tolerated. The student group, in turn, expressed their gratitude for the support they had received and reiterated their calls for the university to sever ties with Boeing.
The arrest of the protesters has also sparked broader debates about the role of corporations in shaping university policies and curricula. Some argue that universities should remain independent of corporate interests and that their primary focus should be on academic inquiry and the free exchange of ideas. Others, however, contend that universities have a responsibility to address social justice issues and to challenge partnerships that may be complicit in global conflicts.
As the situation develops, the university will likely face further pressure from both internal and external forces to address these concerns. The ongoing dialogue between students, faculty, administrators, and the wider community will be critical in determining the university’s future relationship with Boeing and other corporations involved in the military-industrial complex.
For now, the protest at the University of Washington serves as a stark reminder of the growing tensions surrounding issues of corporate influence in higher education and the broader societal implications of military spending. The actions taken by Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return reflect a broader movement within American academia calling for universities to reconsider their relationships with companies that profit from warfare. It also underscores the increasingly visible role of student activists in shaping discussions about global justice and accountability.
In the aftermath of the protest, it is clear that the relationship between Boeing and the University of Washington is far from resolved. As students continue to push for change, the university will need to navigate these complex and contentious issues while balancing its academic mission with the diverse perspectives of its community members. The demands of the protesters are not likely to be met without resistance, but the movement they have sparked will undoubtedly have lasting repercussions for both the university and the broader landscape of student activism.
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