First Amendment activity is occurring on the Foggy Bottom Campus today, April 25, 2024. As the university continues to monitor the activity, please see below for additional information.
This morning, GW students gathered on University Yard and placed tents. GW Police Department officers and other university officials responded on site to confirm all participants are GW students and to explain the university’s demonstration and related policies. The GW demonstration remains peaceful; however, there also are non-GW individuals on public property and the university is coordinating with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
The university is communicating the following to the students:
- University Yard was previously reserved and is not available for demonstrations. GW Law final exams are taking place at adjacent buildings.
- Demonstrators must move with their tents to Anniversary Park at F Street NW between 21st and 22nd streets.
- GW will prohibit all non-GW individuals from participating in any demonstration on university property.
- GW does not permit overnight encampments on university property.
- Students may demonstrate until 7 p.m. if they abide by the university's free expression guidelines, the Code of Student Conduct, and other applicable policies.
- At 7 p.m., the students will be required to remove tents and disperse.
We encourage members of our community to review these safety tips:
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately to GWPD at 202-994-6111 or the Metropolitan Police Department through 911.
- Do not engage with individuals seeking a confrontation.
- If there is a disturbance, seek shelter indoors until normal conditions return.
- Observe directions from law enforcement personnel.
- Make sure doors close and lock behind you as you arrive and depart.
- Do not allow non-GW personnel into GW buildings.
- Carry identification and your GWorld card at all times.
GW’s Office of Emergency Management is collaborating with local and regional public safety organizations to monitor activity in the District and will send email and/or text alerts to the entire GW community if necessary. The latest safety and security information will be posted on Campus Advisories.
For additional safety and security resources, visit the Safety website or download the GW Guardian app. Additional emergency management information from the District of Columbia is also available online.
All GW community members are automatically signed up to receive GW emergency email alerts. You can manage your GW Alert account to also receive GW text alerts on your mobile device. In addition to adding your mobile number, you can add up to three email addresses and phone numbers so that friends or family may also receive GW emergency alerts. Visit GW Alert FAQ for instructions on how to manage your account. In addition, for those who use mobile apps, the GW Guardian App will push GW emergency alerts directly to the app, as well as other safety functions.