Protest Activity Status Update
Demonstration activity remains active on H Street and GW’s University Yard.
On May 3, the university replaced the American flag that was removed on May 2 with a new flag on Lisner Hall, facing University Yard. Overnight, demonstrators repaired the disabled flagpole in front of Lisner Hall and raised the flag of Palestine. Additionally, some of the demonstrators projected an image of President Biden onto the American flag. Activists removed the flag of Palestine, and the projection stopped for the evening.
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
As the university has previously stated, GW’s University Yard remains closed to organized activity. Any GW student who continues trespassing and engaging in protest activity on University Yard may face academic and administrative consequences, including being placed on temporary suspension and administratively barred from campus. (Due to federal regulations, the university cannot comment on individual student conduct cases or ongoing conduct cases, including confirming whether such a case exists.)
The current group of demonstrators from across the DMV—including professional organizers, activists, and other university students—has violated community trust, and their behavior has gone far beyond the boundaries of free expression and the right to protest. The university intends to use every avenue available to hold those involved accountable for their actions.
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
On May 2, communications went to students and faculty, providing further 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 Friday, May 3, 2024
Was the university responsible for hanging the large American flag on Lisner Hall?
The university can confirm that a new American flag was placed on Lisner Hall to replace the one that was removed by GW personnel early Friday, May 3. As previously shared, the GW Police Department removed all flags on the poles outside of Lisner Hall due to the illegal removal of the GW flag on Thursday, May 2.