UW student protesters vow to keep speaking out for Palestinians

The University of Washington Quad was quiet Monday afternoon. There were a couple dozen people lingering. Some were packing up. Some were folding blankets. Others were stuffing plastic bags with their belongings or leftover supplies.

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The pro-Palestinian encampment first appeared April 29 and started ending quietly last week after the university administration and protesters reached an agreement.

One protester, who would only identify himself as Kashf, said they’re not claiming victory. But he said he hopes the deal will create an opportunity for 20 displaced students from Gaza to study at UW.

“They’re going to be able to get an education,” he said. “[And] create a quality of life for themselves, and maybe, god willing, go back to Gaza and fight for a better future.”

Nearby, Jess Jones, a former student, was packing up a tent. She said it was remarkable how the protest was largely uneventful despite the times when tension nearly erupted, including when conservative commentator Charlie Kirk held an event at the Husky Union Building.

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“It was meaningful that things remained peaceful, despite a lot of factors that could’ve expanded it into more difficulty,” she said.

A key demand, that the university sever ties with Boeing, was not part of the agreement reached with protestors. But in an effort to be transparent, the university said it will take input from student representatives on future investment decisions.