In a bold act of student activism, over two dozen individuals were arrested during a protest at the University of Washington (UW), where demonstrators occupied an academic building to demand the university sever its ties with Boeing. The protest was staged in response to Boeing’s defense contracts and its involvement in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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Protest Led by SUPER UW in Response to Gaza War
The demonstration was organized by Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW) and began on the afternoon of March 5, 2025. Protesters peacefully entered and occupied the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB), symbolically targeting a facility partially funded by Boeing. According to organizers, the occupation aimed to expose the university’s complicity in what they describe as war profiteering tied to humanitarian devastation in Gaza.
Occupation Leads to Police Response and Arrests
Protesters, some with covered faces, moved furniture to block entryways, remaining in the building past closing hours. University officials described the occupation as disruptive and in violation of campus policy. In a statement, UW clarified, “Individuals remaining in the building are trespassing and will face legal and student conduct actions.”
More than 25 individuals were arrested after police were called to the scene. According to Oliver Marchant, a SUPER UW spokesperson, some protesters sustained injuries during the arrests and required medical attention. Legal and political support efforts are underway for those detained.
Students Demand Full Divestment from Boeing
The protesters issued a list of demands, including:
- Complete severance of ties with Boeing
- Removal of Boeing’s name and influence from university buildings
- Return of any financial contributions or investments from Boeing
- A ban on Boeing executives teaching or influencing academic content
Boeing, a major contributor to the IEB project with a $10 million donation, has partnered with UW for over a century. Protesters argue that this partnership contradicts the university’s values due to Boeing’s production of military equipment used in global conflicts, including in Gaza.
A National Movement Against Defense Industry Influence
This action at UW echoes a broader trend across U.S. universities, where students are increasingly challenging institutional ties to the military-industrial complex. Similar protests have occurred nationwide, focusing on companies that supply arms to militaries involved in controversial conflicts.
Students see the UW protest as part of a larger movement to hold universities accountable for their financial and ethical partnerships.
Mixed Reactions Across Campus and Community
Reactions to the protest have varied. Some faculty and students expressed support, applauding the activists’ commitment to global justice. Others criticized the tactics used during the occupation, citing concerns about campus safety and potential damage.
The university emphasized its support for free expression but reaffirmed that unlawful acts like trespassing would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, SUPER UW expressed gratitude for community support and reiterated their demands.
Ongoing Debate: Corporate Influence in Higher Education
The protest has reignited debates over the role of corporate partnerships in academia. Critics argue that companies like Boeing exert undue influence over university priorities, curriculum, and research. Supporters of such partnerships claim they provide valuable funding and career opportunities for students.
This incident has prompted students, faculty, and administrators to reconsider the ethical implications of industry collaboration, particularly when it involves weapons manufacturing and global conflict.
Conclusion: Protest Marks Turning Point in Student Activism at UW
The occupation of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building may have ended in arrests, but the message from students is clear: they will continue to challenge the university’s ties to corporations they believe contribute to global suffering. As UW navigates the aftermath, the protest marks a significant chapter in student-led movements calling for transparency, accountability, and ethical reform in higher education.
The university’s relationship with Boeing—and its stance on corporate influence—will remain under scrutiny in the weeks and months ahead.
