The University of Washington has become the latest flashpoint in a growing wave of campus protests across the United States, as a group of activists—reportedly including members of Antifa and pro-Palestinian student supporters—have seized and occupied the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building in a bold and dramatic demonstration against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The protesters have renamed the occupied building “Shaban al-Dalou Hall”, after a young Palestinian child who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The symbolic renaming underscores the group’s message of solidarity with Palestinians and their call for institutional accountability. Banners, Palestinian flags, and protest signs now drape the structure, which has been turned into a hub of activism and civil disobedience.
The protest erupted in response to what organizers describe as the University of Washington’s “complicity in the Gaza genocide” through its research partnerships, investment portfolios, and associations with defense contractors allegedly supplying arms to Israel. Protesters are demanding full disclosure of university investments and immediate divestment from companies that support or benefit from Israel’s military activities.
Eyewitness reports and footage shared on social media show flames ignited near the building’s entrance and furniture piled up to barricade doors and windows. The building is believed to be under the full control of the protesters, who have also reportedly set up sleeping areas, food distribution points, and protest planning stations inside.
Campus officials have condemned the occupation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and safety while still recognizing the right to peaceful protest. “We are monitoring the situation closely and urge everyone to prioritize nonviolence and constructive dialogue,” a university spokesperson said in a brief statement.
Seattle Police officers have been deployed around the campus, and law enforcement has issued warnings to demonstrators about possible legal consequences, including arrests for trespassing, vandalism, and creating a fire hazard. Despite this, the protesters remain defiant, vowing to stay until the university meets their demands or engages in meaningful negotiations.
“This is not just a protest—it’s a movement,” said one student protester, who requested anonymity. “We are tired of institutions pretending neutrality while enabling violence abroad. We won’t be silent while our tuition helps fund oppression.”
Reactions among students and faculty have been mixed. While many have expressed support for the demonstrators’ cause, others are concerned about safety risks, the disruption of academic activities, and potential long-term damage to university facilities.
The building occupation at the University of Washington reflects a growing national trend, with similar protests recently erupting at Columbia University, UCLA, and other major campuses, as students demand an end to institutional ties with Israel and greater transparency in university investments.
As the protest continues into the night, all eyes remain on Seattle and the University of Washington administration. Will they yield to the growing pressure, or will the standoff intensify in the days to come?
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