Protest Activity Status Update
Demonstration activity remains active on H Street and GW’s University Yard. GWPD and MPD remain on the scene and are monitoring the situation. Despite the ongoing disturbance on University Yard, GW is open and operating with enhanced safety measures.
Safety and Security Update
On May 2, protestors illegally removed a GW flag hanging in University Yard and replaced it with the flag of Palestine, a violation of D.C. law and university policy. GW police officers attempted to prevent the unlawful activity and instructed the protestors hanging the flag to desist. While intervening, the officers were surrounded by a crowd yelling hostile chants and were forced to withdraw to prevent further escalation of a volatile situation. Another flag was subsequently raised underneath the American flag on a nearby pole. We emphatically condemn this aggressive act of lawlessness.
Overnight, all flags were removed by GWPD and the flag poles were disabled without incident. The American flag is being raised again today in a new location on Univeristy Yard.
Access to buildings on the Foggy Bottom Campus remains on GWorld Safety mode. University Yard and Kogan Plaza remain closed. H St. between 20th and 21st streets, NW, remains closed to vehicles.
GWorld Safety Mode: All GWorld readers on the Foggy Bottom Campus continue to be locked, and access is only available to GWorld cardholders who would normally have tap access. Normal tap access is defined as an individual authorized to access a GWorld reader-controlled space.
View all campus advisories.
Academic Operations Update
Faculty have the option of offering classes on the Foggy Bottom campus virtually through Friday, May 3.
On May 2, communications went to students and faculty providing guidance on final exams. The next period of final examinations, which begins on Saturday, May 4, is proceeding as planned. To ensure a quiet environment, all examinations taking place in Bell, Corcoran, Lisner, and Samson Halls, as well as the Media and Public Affairs building, will be relocated on campus. Some students particularly affected by recent events have been encouraged to talk to their undergraduate or graduate deans or academic advisors about the challenges they are facing. These school representatives are in the best position to advise students about their options under university policy.
FAQ from Thursday, May 2, 2024
Was the American flag taken down by protesters?
On May 2, protestors illegally removed a GW flag hanging in University Yard and replaced it with the flag of Palestine, a violation of D.C. law and university policy. Another flag was subsequently raised underneath the American flag on a nearby pole. We emphatically condemn this aggressive act of lawlessness.
Overnight, all flags were removed by GWPD and the flag poles disabled without incident. The American flag is being raised again today in a new location.
GWPD officers have worked around the clock to ensure our GW community’s safety, and we are grateful for their efforts to keep our campus safe and secure.
Is the university canceling Commencement?
The university remains committed to doing everything possible to ensure our graduating students and their families and friends have the commencement experience they expect and deserve.