George Washington University is responding to messages in support of Hamas projected on its library – but it also is facing criticism for the ambiguous language used.
In a statement on Wednesday, the university said, “On Tuesday evening, the university became aware of several unauthorized projections on a campus building. The projections on the university’s library violated university policy, and leadership intervened to ensure that these projections were removed.”
“The statements made by these individuals in no way reflect the views of the university. We are reviewing this incident and will take any appropriate steps with respect to the individuals involved in accordance with university policies,” it continued.
The statement also acknowledged the “distress, hurt, and pain this has caused for many members of our community.”
Check out the full statement below:
University Statement on Projections on Campus pic.twitter.com/SzEIKFBkIr
— GW University (@GWtweets) October 25, 2023
George Washington University was blasted by some who noted the lack of clarity about what the messages stated.
Abigail Jackson, communications director for Sen. Josh Hawley, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Leaving out from this statement that they were pro-Hamas and antisemitic projections was an intentional decision. Shameful.”
Leaving out from this statement that they were pro-Hamas and antisemitic projections was an intentional decision. Shameful.
— Abigail Jackson 🇺🇸 (@abigailmarone) October 25, 2023
“You guys literally don’t care. Disgusting,” charged the News Busters’ Curtis Houck.
You guys literally don't care. Disgusting.
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 25, 2023
Attorney Matt Sarelson posted, “This is a terribly weak statement. Everyone’s favorite backup school is further eroding its reputation.”
This is a terribly weak statement. Everyone's favorite backup school is further eroding its reputation.
— Matt Sarelson, Esq. – Attorney & Advisor (@MSarelson) October 25, 2023
Commentary Magazine’s John Podhoretz asked, “Where is the word ‘Israel’? Where is the word ‘Jew’? Are you so in thrall to Arab potentate money you’re scared to use them, you pusillanimous toady Petains?”
Where is the word "Israel"? Where is the word "Jew"? Are you so in thrall to Arab potentate money you're scared to use them, you pusillanimous toady Petains?https://t.co/iAMOjYstM0
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) October 25, 2023
“GW could not be handling this any worse if it tried. Truly,” wrote Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman.
GW could not be handling this any worse if it tried. Truly. https://t.co/zWL0a3KM4v
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 25, 2023
The statement refers to projections of messages in support of the terrorist organization Hamas after its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that left 1,400 people dead. Over 200 people, including children and babies, are still being held hostage in Gaza.
On Tuesday, a projection on the university’s library read, “Glory To Our Martyrs.”