The Trump administration has opened a federal investigation into the University of Washington following a protest led by a student group supporting Palestine. The protest took place on Monday and resulted in about 30 arrests. Federal officials say the review is tied to concerns over “antisemitic violence,” although no specific incidents have been cited. The university and federal agencies are now under pressure to respond to the growing tensions on campus.
Protest at Engineering Building Sparks National Reaction
The protest was led by a group called Super UW, which occupied the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building. The building was partially funded by Boeing, a major defense contractor. The protesters asked the university to cut all ties with Boeing due to the company’s role in supplying weapons to Israel. They also asked that the building be renamed after a Palestinian engineering student who was killed during recent violence in Gaza.
The university quickly condemned the protest. Officials said the demonstration included acts of vandalism, street blockades, and fires set near campus. “The protest was illegal and dangerous,” said university spokesperson Victor Balta. He confirmed that police arrested around 30 people, many of them students. Possible charges include trespassing, property damage, and disorderly conduct.
Balta also claimed the group made antisemitic comments but did not provide specific details. “We stand firmly against antisemitism,” he said. “But we also condemn violence and destruction on our campus.”
Students Say Police Used Excessive Force
Members of Super UW said the protest was peaceful until police arrived. They accused officers of using unnecessary force, which led to several injuries. According to the group, three people were hospitalized after the arrests. Video clips circulating online show officers dragging students and using pepper spray.
Federal Agencies Respond with Warning
A day after the protest, three federal departments—Education, Health and Human Services, and General Services Administration—released a joint statement. They praised the university for acting quickly but warned that more action is needed to protect Jewish students and prevent similar events.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said, “We support free speech, but we will not accept protests that make students feel unsafe.” She added that the university may need to update its protest policies and enforce stricter consequences.
The government’s Task Force on Antisemitism has asked the University of Washington to review the incident and take further steps to discipline those involved. This includes potential suspensions or expulsions.
National Trend: Crackdown on Campus Protests
The investigation at UW is part of a larger push by the Trump administration to crack down on pro-Palestinian activism in colleges across the U.S. In recent months, several universities have been warned they could lose federal funding if they don’t act against alleged antisemitism.
At Columbia University, $400 million in federal support was temporarily blocked. The school regained access after it agreed to new rules on campus conduct. Meanwhile, Harvard University is in a legal battle after billions in funding were frozen. Harvard refused to comply with federal conditions that it said limit academic freedom.
Critics say the government is targeting political speech. Supporters argue that antisemitism is rising and schools must do more to stop it.
Tensions Continue on Campus
Back at the University of Washington, the mood on campus is tense. Student leaders from Jewish and Muslim organizations have called for calm. Some Jewish students said they felt unsafe during the protest. Others said they support the protesters’ right to speak out, even if they disagree.
“I’m Jewish, and I didn’t feel targeted,” said sophomore Eli Rosen. “But I also think calling for justice in Gaza isn’t the same as hating Jews. We need more honest conversations, not just punishment.”
The university says it will work with both federal authorities and student groups to find a solution.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As more schools face similar protests, the line between activism and hate speech remains hotly debated. The University of Washington now finds itself at the center of a national storm, caught between defending free expression and responding to government pressure.
Whether this federal probe will lead to long-term changes in campus policy remains unclear. But one thing is certain — the tension between student voices and federal oversight is not going away anytime soon.