Encampment demonstration sets up on WWU campus

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Officials with Western Washington University (WWU) reported today that a encampment demonstration of about 20 tents and 50-60 individuals set up on WWU campus lawn in front of the Old Main administrative building.

Reports from WWU are that the demonstration is peaceful and classes and services are operating under regular schedules.

A statement attributed to WWU President Sabah Randhawa included the following.

Dear Western community, 

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As you may be aware, a student encampment, similar to those which have emerged at universities across the country, has been established on Old Main lawn on WWU’s Bellingham campus. I first want to acknowledge the significance of the issues driving the encampment. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention and thoughtful consideration, and I continue to be deeply moved by the genuine empathy and heartfelt concerns expressed by many of our students, faculty, and staff for the innocent citizens in Gaza, and throughout the region, who are being impacted by the war.   

Peaceful protests and demonstrations play a critical role in nurturing students’ growth and fostering civic engagement, and as a public university, it is our responsibility to allow on-campus demonstrations as long as they adhere to University policies.   

So far, the demonstration at Western has been peaceful, and, given our community’s strong commitment to our foundational values of respect for diversity of thought and opinion – and respect for the rights and dignity of all people – I am hopeful that this, and any demonstration on campus, will remain peaceful.   

A response team has been formed, and we are actively working to bring about constructive dialogue while keeping disruption of daily campus operations to an absolute minimum. Let me be clear: Western will not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including antisemitism or Islamophobia, nor will we allow any harassing behavior, violence, or destruction of property.   

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Over the past several weeks, I have been meeting with student leaders from the WWU Arab Student Association, the WWU chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, and Hillel of WWU to discuss their concerns and how the University can better respond to them, and we will continue these important dialogues moving forward.   

We are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to ensure that necessary measures are in place to maintain a safe environment for the entire campus community. If any member of our campus community feels unsafe, please do not hesitate to contact WWU University Police at (360) 650-3555. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or (360) 650-3911. 

Let us stay connected, listening, and supporting each other. Wishing you all a peaceful and productive week ahead. 

Kind regards, 

Sabah