30 Arrested in Campus Demonstration as Feds Cite Antisemitism Concerns

The Trump administration has launched a federal investigation into the University of Washington (UW) following a campus protest that ended with nearly 30 arrests. Officials say the review was prompted by reports of antisemitic actions linked to the demonstration, although no specific examples have been publicly disclosed so far.

The protest was organized by a student group called Super UW. The group temporarily occupied the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building in Seattle, demanding the university end its partnership with Boeing. Protesters argue that Boeing supplies weapons to Israel and that the university should not be involved. The group also called for the building to be renamed in honor of a Palestinian student who was killed in Gaza.

Before the protest, UW had suspended the group, but they proceeded with the demonstration anyway. The protest, which began peacefully, escalated quickly and led to a strong police response.

Officials Say Protest Was Unsafe and Violent

University spokesperson Victor Balta said the protest was unlawful and endangered public safety. According to Balta, demonstrators damaged property, blocked nearby streets, and ignited fires. He confirmed that nearly 30 people were detained and that charges are expected to include trespassing, vandalism, and conspiracy.

Balta also claimed that antisemitic remarks were made during the demonstration, though he did not provide specific examples or recordings. He added that the university does not tolerate antisemitism and will continue to enforce campus policies to protect students and staff.

In response, protest organizers accused police of using excessive force. They reported that three people were hospitalized during the arrests. Videos circulating on social media appear to show officers using zip ties and physically restraining protesters while clearing the building.

Super UW issued a statement calling the demonstration a peaceful act of resistance. They said the university’s actions reflect an effort to silence pro-Palestinian voices.

Federal Agencies Call for Stronger Campus Oversight

Three federal agencies — the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and General Services Administration — released a joint statement supporting the university’s decision to end the protest. However, they stressed that further steps are necessary to ensure the safety of Jewish students and prevent future incidents.

The federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism urged universities to adopt clear protest guidelines and improve campus safety. Education Secretary Linda McMahon warned that any disruption violating civil rights laws would not be tolerated. She emphasized the need for strict enforcement to protect all students.

Part of a Nationwide Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Student Movements

The investigation at UW is part of a broader federal campaign to address what officials describe as a rise in antisemitic behavior linked to pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. More than 60 universities across the country have received warnings about possible violations of federal civil rights laws. These institutions have been told they risk losing government funding if they do not take action.

Columbia University had $400 million in federal grants withheld earlier this year until it agreed to enforce new campus conduct rules. Harvard University is currently engaged in a legal battle with the federal government after declining to implement similar changes. As a result, billions of dollars in federal funds remain frozen.

The University of Washington now finds itself among the growing list of schools under federal review, caught in the middle of a national debate over free speech, student activism, and campus security.

A Divided Campus Reacts

The recent protest and the federal investigation have sparked strong reactions at UW. Some students say they feel their right to protest is under threat. Others say the university must do more to stop hate speech and protect all communities.

Faculty members have also weighed in. A group of 34 professors signed an open letter urging the administration to respect students’ rights while ensuring campus safety. The letter called for balanced policies that promote peaceful dialogue rather than punishment.

Tensions remain high. Some students claim that pro-Palestinian voices are being silenced, while Jewish student groups have expressed concern about rising hostility on campus.

What Comes Next for UW?

The outcome of the federal investigation could have serious consequences for the University of Washington. If officials determine that civil rights were violated or that the university failed to protect students, federal funding could be reduced or suspended.

For now, the university is reviewing its policies. Campus police are working with city officials to evaluate how the protest was handled. Students, meanwhile, continue to organize and speak out on both sides of the issue.

The national conversation around student protests, free expression, and civil rights is unlikely to end anytime soon. As universities across the country face growing scrutiny, the case at UW may set the tone for how future protests are handled.