Police clear UW building after pro-Palestinian demonstration

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied the University of Washington’s Interdisciplinary Engineering Building on Monday, May 5, calling for the university to sever ties with Boeing over its military contracts. The protest, led by the suspended student group Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW), began around 5 p.m.

Protests included road blockades, dumpster fires and banners hung from upper-floor windows. Demonstrators renamed it the Shaban al-Dalou Building, in honor of a Palestinian engineering student reportedly killed in Gaza.

What role does Boeing play in the controversy?

According to the university, Boeing donated $10 million to construct the $105 million engineering facility in 2022. Protesters alleged the aerospace company’s ties to the Israeli military have contributed to the conflict in Gaza. Boeing has not issued a public statement on the protest.

How did law enforcement respond to the building takeover?

Officers from campus police, Seattle police and the Washington State Patrol entered the building around 11 p.m. to remove the demonstrators. Authorities arrested about 30 individuals inside and face trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct and conspiracy charges.

Were any safety measures taken during the protest?

Demonstrators reportedly stacked furniture to block entryways and ignited fires in two dumpsters outside the building. Firefighters responded to extinguish the flames. The university said everyone who did not wish to remain inside had exited before arrests began.

What is the university’s position on the protest?

University spokesperson Victor Balta described the demonstrators’ actions as unlawful and labeled the student group’s online statements antisemitic.

“The University will not be intimidated by this sort of offensive and destructive behavior and will continue to oppose antisemitism in all its forms,” Balta said in a statement to CNN.

The university had previously seen pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including an encampment in 2024 and a march in February 2025 against Boeing’s role on campus.

What are protesters demanding from the university?

SUPER UW has published a manifesto demanding that the University of Washington cut ties with Boeing and criticizing the company’s defense involvement.

The university emphasized that SUPER UW is currently a suspended organization.

Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief

Ella Greene

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