More than 30 individuals have faced charges linked to the occupation of the University of Washington’s Interdisciplinary Engineering Building during a pro-Palestinian protest last year. A total of 33 people are charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing. However, prosecutors have stated they are unable to ascertain who is responsible for any damage caused during the event, limiting the charges to misdemeanors.
Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, explained, “Trespassing in a building is not enough to also make you guilty of a felony. You’ve got to show additional elements that we can’t show with the admissible evidence right now. If we could show exactly who caused the damage, then we would be looking at a felony case.” The misdemeanor charge carries the possibility of up to one year in jail and substantial fines.
The protest took place in May, and authorities have reportedly estimated that the actions of the occupying group caused approximately $1 million in damage.
Scheduled for arraignments on March 25, the protesters, under the banner of SUPER UW, have expressed a desire for the university to sever its ties with Boeing. They are urging the institution to discontinue accepting any funding or donations from the aerospace giant, which is also a significant defense contractor.
SUPER UW has articulated demands that include returning existing donations, ceasing financial investments, and prohibiting Boeing employees and executives from teaching or influencing any academic curriculum at the university. The longstanding relationship between UW and Boeing has persisted for over a century, with Boeing being recognized as one of the leading airplane manufacturers globally.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions regarding the influence of large corporations on educational institutions and raises questions about accountability and the handling of protests within academic settings. The university community watches closely as developments unfold in this case, which continues to spark discussions surrounding both activism and institutional partnerships.