BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Western Washington University’s president has spoken out on the ongoing encampment protesting the war in Gaza.

In an email to students on Friday, May 17, WWU President Sabah Randhawa outlined what has happened so far in talks with groups advocating for peace.

Randhawa said that he and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Jacqueline Hughes met with representatives from WWU student clubs on May 3 and 10. The representatives come from the groups Arab Student Association and the campus chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace.

On Tuesday, May 14, Randhawa and Hughes said in an email to the groups that the university does not have any affiliations with companies on the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) list. They added that they are open to changing their divestment tactics with companies and industries. The email also stated that one of the studies abroad opportunities for WWU students included the University of Haifa, and that that program has since been suspended for this year and 2024-25 academic year.

Randhawa addressed the general student body to say that he is in support of free speech and peaceful demonstration while still keeping campus safe for everyone. Randhawa said in the Friday email he wants “all members of our community can learn, work, and live in an environment that is free from fear and harassment.”