There are enough problems in the world for everyone to disagree with everyone else all the time. But when advocacy and activism devolve into property destruction and threats of violence — from any side of the political spectrum — community standards must be upheld and accountability enforced.
Consider what happened recently at the University of Washington.
The United Front for Palestinian Liberation organized a campus rally on April 4 to demand an end to Israel’s military action in Gaza and the severance of UW ties with Boeing.
As reported by the student newspaper The Daily, the protest turned into an unplanned overnight sit-in inside the HUB, a beloved center of student activities since it was built in 1949. Individuals entered the building around 7:15 p.m. and left at about 5:30 the following morning.
“Protesters began writing phrases including ‘Free Palestine,’ ‘UWPD = KKK = IDF,’ and ‘Tell UW to cut ties with Boeing’ on the walls in Sharpie around 9:45 p.m.,” The Daily reported. “Vandalism continued throughout the night with extensive writing on the majority of the walls throughout the HUB’s ground floor, as well as on student artwork and in the first floor bathrooms.”
Afterward, the news editor of The Daily penned a statement about covering the protest: “I will never forget the experience of being told that I am a ‘disgusting person of color’ and that my ancestors would be sickened by the person I am, among a slew of other dehumanizing statements.”
A UW spokesperson confirmed that cleanup is approaching $14,000, and does not include replacement furniture, repair to artwork, or repair of a piano.
On her blog the following day, UW President Ana Mari Cauce noted that freedom of speech is paramount in a democratic society. “Threatening and harassing people, scrawling graffiti on walls, furniture and carpets, and damaging student art is unacceptable and wrong. UW police are investigating, and any individuals or groups found responsible will be held accountable.”
The spokesman said the UW’s rules and code of conduct are “taken seriously and investigated. Penalties range and may include suspension of students and organizations. In this case, additional citations and prosecution may occur for trespassing and destruction of property.”
UW police are reviewing camera footage to identify participants. As for the administration’s decision to allow protesters to stay the night: “We evaluated the situation and opted for action we thought would have least potential for personal injuries under the circumstances.”
Cauce deserves credit for strongly and publicly condemning the vandalism and bad behavior — despite little attention from mainstream media and seemingly minimal pressure to act.
Indeed, there was far more outcry in 2018 when a federal judge blocked the UW from billing the College Republicans an estimated $17,000 security fee for a campus rally featuring the group Patriot Prayer.
Setting aside questions about double standards and what kind of groups attract attention from UW administrators, there must be very clear distinctions between speech and violence.
The UW must reinforce values that encourage debate while leaving no room for intimidation and intolerance. For this incident to be an example of how universities ought to act, discipline and consequences must follow.
The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.