Encampment Updates and Resources

May 20, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page for information about the demonstration. This will be updated as needed. Last updated May 17.

May 17, 2024

From President Sabah Randhawa: Update on ongoing dialogue with students supporting encampment

Dear Western community,

I am writing to share an update on our ongoing dialogue with students involved with the encampment on campus.

I understand that this is a difficult time for many in our campus community, and I take our student demonstrators' calls to action very seriously.

Again, it is important to recognize the significance of the issues driving the encampment. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is tragic and demands urgent attention. We support the calls from leaders from across the globe for an immediate ceasefire, working towards lasting peace in the region, the release of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid for Palestinians and all the people of Gaza.

Click here or on the headline above to read the full message. Published 10:30 a.m., May 17

May 14, 2024

Email from WWU President and Chief Diversity Officer to WWU ASA and JVP representatives

Good morning,

Thank you for the meeting last Thursday afternoon, as well as for our earlier meeting on May 3rd. We appreciate the opportunity to continue hearing your thoughts and concerns, and we are committed to moving our conversation forward. We also recognize that an encampment was established on campus early this morning and respect peaceful expression and demonstration. Our goal in this dialogue is to make sure that all student voices and concerns are heard and to actively address your concerns to the extent we are able.

Click here or on the headline above to read the full email. Sent 11 a.m., May 14.

From President Sabah Randhawa: Information and resources regarding peaceful encampment demonstration

Dear Western community,

As you may be aware, a student encampment, similar to those which have emerged at universities across the country, has been established on Old Main lawn on WWU's Bellingham campus. I first want to acknowledge the significance of the issues driving the encampment. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands urgent attention and thoughtful consideration, and I continue to be deeply moved by the genuine empathy and heartfelt concerns expressed by many of our students, faculty, and staff for the innocent citizens in Gaza, and throughout the region, who are being impacted by the war.

Click here or on the headline above to read the full message.Published 9:30 a.m., May 14.

Campus advisory: Peaceful encampment demonstration on WWU's Bellingham campus

There is a peaceful encampment demonstration on WWU's main Bellingham campus. As of this morning, there are about 20 tents and 50-60 individuals on Old Main lawn. Classes and services will be operating as scheduled. Further updates will be provided as needed at news.wwu.edu in the "Campus News and Information" section. Published 7:30 a.m., May 14.