Over 50 Georgetown University students and faculty came together on March 26 to protest the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and U.S. military actions in the region. They gathered in Red Square, organized by the Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine (FSJP) alongside other student activist groups.
The protest emphasized allegations that Georgetown invests in companies like Alphabet and Amazon, which contribute to military efforts in Israel. Elliott Colla, a professor at the university, voiced concern over these ties, highlighting a moral conflict. “It’s shocking that Georgetown is financially tied to an illegal war,” he said. “We are part of this war machine.”
In April 2025, Georgetown’s administration rejected a student-led referendum that called for divestment from these companies. Despite 67.9% student support for the referendum, administrators stated their commitment to academic freedom over divestment. Yet, recent filings from September 2025 suggested Georgetown actually increased its holdings in those very companies after the referendum.
One student voice at the rally, speaking from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), criticized the university for ignoring student demands. “We went through the proper channels, and the university disenfranchised us. They never cared about what we wanted,” they said.
The protest also focused on broader issues, with calls for reducing U.S. intervention in the Middle East. Anna Broderick, an SJP member, stated, “We demand Georgetown cut ties with the military industrial complex and the genocidal actions happening in the region.”
The student movement at Georgetown reflects a growing trend among young activists across the U.S. In recent years, student-led protests have surged, especially regarding social justice and human rights issues. According to a recent Pew Research study, about 68% of college students believe colleges should take a stand on social issues.
At the rally, participants held signs with powerful messages and chanted slogans demanding justice. Jackson Schnabel, another student leader, remarked on the solidarity within the university community: “This isn’t just a student issue; it’s a community issue.”
This event comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S.-Israeli relations, particularly after the recent escalation of violence starting October 7, 2023. Many organizations, including the International Association of Genocide Scholars, have accused Israel of committing human rights violations in Gaza, causing global conversations about accountability and ethics.
Faculty and students alike voiced that Georgetown should uphold its Jesuit values, which advocate for justice and ethics in all aspects of life. Rally participants hope their demands will finally reach decision-makers at the university.
Jo Moreau, a visiting student from Seattle University, found inspiration in the protests, saying, “Students organizing is important. This is about making sure leaders hear us. Our tuition shouldn’t support violence.”
While frustrations run high, the commitment to advocacy among Georgetown students shows no signs of waning. As they continue to apply pressure on their administration, their efforts contribute to a larger narrative that challenges traditional practices of institutions in today’s world.
For more insights on the ongoing situation, you can check a detailed report from CFR.
