What happened this week at the University of Washington was more than just another protest—it was an egregious attack on law, order, and American values. In a disturbing scene reminiscent of radical riots past, anti-Israel protesters occupied an engineering building, barricaded themselves inside, and set dumpsters ablaze, turning a prestigious American university into a theater of chaos.
The protesters, covering their faces and shouting hateful chants, demanded the University sever its longstanding relationship with aerospace giant Boeing. They accused the corporation of complicity in “genocide,” a grotesque distortion of reality designed to inflame passions and draw media attention. This is not activism—it is extremism. It is vandalism masquerading as virtue, and it has no place on any American campus.
Thankfully, the University of Washington Police, reinforced by local law enforcement, acted swiftly and decisively. Around 11 p.m., officers in riot gear entered the building and restored order, arresting 30 demonstrators for trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy to commit these crimes. The response was firm, justified, and necessary.
Yet, this incident is symptomatic of a deeper disease spreading through our institutions of higher learning. Radical student groups like Students United for Palestinian Equality & Return—who openly encouraged protesters to “wear a mask, and cover identifiable features”—are increasingly emboldened by leftist ideologies that openly reject law enforcement, civic responsibility, and basic respect for property and safety.
These protesters falsely claimed Boeing’s partnership with UW amounted to funding “genocide,” alleging that weapons produced by the company are being used by Israel in Gaza. Not content with occupying a building, they symbolically “renamed” it after a Palestinian killed in an Israeli military operation against Hamas terrorists. Israel, a steadfast American ally, has consistently defended itself against terrorist threats. Yet, these protesters openly side against our allies and our nation’s strategic interests.
In their statement responding to the chaos, the University of Washington officials correctly condemned the “dangerous environment” created by the protesters and the “antisemitic statement” issued by the student group. “The University will not be intimidated by this sort of offensive and destructive behavior,” UW officials stated unequivocally. We must commend UW’s administration for standing firm against intimidation tactics and extremist rhetoric.
But condemnation alone will not suffice in the broader cultural battle at play. It’s time American universities reevaluate the radical elements festering within their campuses. The anti-police chants and lawless aggression displayed at UW are not isolated incidents—they are the results of years of coddling radical ideologies by university leaders afraid to take a strong stand against extremism.
President Trump has set a clear example of leadership when confronting anti-American sentiment. He has consistently backed law enforcement and rebuked institutions that fail to uphold American values. Just last week, Trump promised decisive action against universities that foster antisemitism and radicalism, including revoking the tax-exempt status of institutions like Harvard, which have repeatedly failed to confront hate on their campuses. UW and other universities should take note: weak responses encourage more chaos and extremism, not less.
It is past time for American higher education to draw a firm, unwavering line against violent protests and hateful rhetoric. Universities must reaffirm a commitment to free speech and open debate, while strongly rejecting violence, intimidation, and antisemitism. The occupation at UW provides a troubling reminder that radical elements must be confronted head-on.
As conservatives, we must demand better from our institutions. Our universities should be places of learning, innovation, and patriotism—not breeding grounds for extremism and hatred. The events at the University of Washington serve as a wake-up call: America must reclaim its campuses and restore respect for law, order, and national pride.
