George Washington University Alumni Criticize Institutional Ties to Israel
Alumni from George Washington University (GWU) have publicly condemned the school for its connections to Israel, labeling the situation in Gaza as a “genocide.” Cecilia Culver, a graduate in Economics and Statistics, voiced her concerns during her commencement speech, stating that the ongoing violence in Palestine is overlooked by those who “lack a moral backbone.”
“For more than a year, we’ve witnessed genocide against Palestinians,” Culver expressed at the start of her address. “Celebrating graduation feels impossible with a heavy heart. Many Palestinian students have halted their studies, been forced from their homes, or lost their lives defending ancestral land.”
Her comments come on the heels of former President Donald Trump’s criticisms of universities regarding their responses to pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campuses, labeling such protests as anti-American and anti-Semitic. There have also been crackdowns on immigrant students participating in these protests.
Culver pointedly criticized what she termed the “imperialist system” and GWU’s financial support towards it, adding, “I feel ashamed that my tuition contributes to this genocide.” She accused university officials of neglecting student demands for transparency regarding financial contributions and investments related to Israel. “The administration has consistently ignored our calls to disclose financial ties and is instead suppressing those who highlight the blood on their hands.”
As she concluded her speech, Culver urged the Class of 2025 to refrain from making donations while continuing to advocate for transparency. “None of us are free until Palestine is free,” she stated.
Her speech resonated strongly with the audience, drawing loud applause and cheers.
In a reaction, university officials released a statement expressing regret over what they described as a “violation of the Code of Conduct.”
Culver’s words come amid increasing global attention on the situation in Gaza, where over 53,000 Palestinians—predominantly women and children—have lost their lives since October 2023, as reported by Gaza’s Ministry of Health. This escalation followed a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 240 hostages taken.
The latest military operation in Gaza, dubbed “Operation Gideon,” began on May 17, aiming to dismantle Hamas’ military and administrative structures while facilitating the release of Israeli hostages. This offensive has resulted in hundreds of casualties and worsened the already dire humanitarian situation.
Since March 2, Israel has enacted severe lockdown measures in Gaza, restricting essential supplies like food, water, fuel, and medicine. This blockade has led to significant shortages, with the UN issuing warnings about an impending famine threatening the lives of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Israeli officials have acknowledged that the region is on the brink of starvation.
