³ÉÈËXÕ¾

MYNORTHWEST NEWS

UW’s ‘W’ sign besmirched with red paint by pro-Palestinian protesters

May 7, 2024, 7:53 AM | Updated: 12:34 pm

The University of Washington (UW) sign, located at the intersection of NE 45th Street and Memorial Way NE, has been covered in red paint in an apparent act of pro-Palestinian protest.

Paint beneath the sign appeared to read “UW funded genocide” with red paint dripping from the sign eventually covering most of the letters. Tags on pillars beside it read “From the river” and “To the sea.”

More UW news: Pro-Palestinian UW encampment doubles by second day

Maintenance crews told ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio they saw it when driving into work this morning. One worker said he was exhausted at the consistency of politically motivated graffiti, claiming responding to exact incidents is tiring because “there’s just going to be more.”

While tags on the signs indicate a pro-Palestinian message, it remains unknown at this time who defaced the large “W” at one of the campus’ entrances.

Protesters have continued to demand that the university should cut all ties with Israel and companies supporting the Israel Defense Forces — including Boeing — but their demands have been largely met with stonewall opposition as the university refuses to change its position. University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce doubled down on this sentiment back in February.

“Boeing’s support for UW in time, talent and funding cannot be replaced by other endowment sources, nor would we choose to sever our relationship if they could be,” she wrote in an email to individuals and groups protesting violence against Palestinians, according to .

Boeing has donated  to the UW since 1917, according to The Seattle Times. The company also employs thousands of UW graduates, while the name “Boeing” can be found throughout the campus including auditoriums, research centers and, most obviously, the William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics.

Jason Rantz Exclusive: UW Professor stalked and harassed at Seattle autonomous ‘Liberated Zone’

The university has declined to comment on the situation. ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Newsradio has additionally reached out to the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and UW Police for more information.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest

You can read more of Sam Campbell’s stories here. Follow Sam Campbell on Ìý´Ç°ùÌýemail him here.

MyNorthwest News

This pickup became wedged between vehicles on I-5 in Fife, after the driver tried to outrun state t...

Tom Brock

Washington State Patrol “Smokey” aircraft tracks down reckless driving suspects

A Washington State Patrol law enforcement aircraft helped arrest two reckless drivers overnight.

2 hours ago

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders says this DUI suspect refused to obey commands and assaulted ...

Tom Brock

Thurston County sheriff assaulted during DUI arrest

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders says he was assaulted by a DUI suspect who threw a drink in his face and grabbed him by the throat.

5 hours ago

Fatal crash involving fire engine...

Frank Lenzi

One dead after crash involving fire engine in North Seattle

One person is dead after a crash involving a vehicle and a fire engine, Seattle Police said. The collision occurred near North 128th Street and Aurora Avenue North. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. According to ³ÉÈËXÕ¾7 News, a Seattle Fire Department ladder truck was making a […]

9 hours ago

Image: Starbucks founder and former CEO Howard Schultz testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C...

Frank Lenzi

Howard Schultz encourages Starbucks workers to support new leadership’s plan

Amid declining sales, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is urging employees to support the company’s new leadership and turnaround plan.

11 hours ago

speed cameras...

MyNorthwest Staff

‘Want more speed cameras?’ Bellevue asks residents for feedback

Bellevue is inviting community members to provide feedback on a proposal to expand its speed safety camera program, aiming to eliminate serious traffic crashes.

11 hours ago

Microsoft...

MyNorthwest Staff

Microsoft lists dishwashers, roofers among jobs least threatened by AI

A recent Microsoft report highlights a growing divide in job security between blue-collar workers and desk-based employees amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). 

12 hours ago

UW’s ‘W’ sign besmirched with red paint by pro-Palestinian protesters