In a three-week-long protest, a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators camped in the quad at the University of Washington, sparking controversy and causing significant damage to the campus. The encampment, which was part of a liberation zone, resulted in brown patches of grass, spray-painted graffiti on pathways, and tagged neighboring buildings, some with offensive language.

Following negotiations with the university administration, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment and leave by 3 p.m. on Monday. The University of Washington formally called for a ceasefire and agreed, in loose terms, to a process involving divestment, a review of study abroad programs, and increased opportunities for Palestinian students.

However, not everyone is satisfied with the outcome. Longtime professor Cliff Mass criticized the administration, stating that they had failed the university. According to Mass, the encampment disrupted classes, damaged university property, and even deteriorated into violence. He estimated the cost of the damages to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

More troubling for Mass was the emergence of antisemitism during the protest. He accused the administration of not addressing the issue adequately and stated that it should have been explicitly mentioned in the university's statement. Mass, who is Jewish, also expressed concern over the impact this incident could have on the reputation of UW and its ability to attract support from parents and donors.

UW President Ana Mari Cauce, who has remained tight-lipped throughout the ordeal, offered limited commentary during a Board of Regents meeting. Her spokesperson, Victor Balta, has been responsible for communicating the university's position via email and has declined requests for interviews.

Balta stated on Monday that the university is assessing the damage caused by the encampment removal and that the costs for repairs will be covered by funds allocated for building maintenance, repairs, and grounds upkeep.

The protests sparked a larger debate around freedom of speech and the boundaries of peaceful assembly. While acknowledging the importance of freedom of speech, Mass argued that the protesters crossed the line by engaging in illegal activities, impeding movement on campus, disrupting classes, and even physically attacking people. He criticized the university for allowing the situation to escalate and likened it to spoiled and ignorant children pushing boundaries when given free rein.

Now that the encampment has been dismantled, the University of Washington faces the task of repairing the damage caused and addressing the concerns raised during the protest. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the reputation and support of the university moving forward.