WWU closely monitors pro-Palestinian encampment ahead of opening ceremonies

BELLINGHAM, Washington — Western Washington University is closely monitoring a pro-Palestinian encampment set up on campus as it prepares for commencement ceremonies the second weekend in June.

The university's president and chief diversity officer held another meeting with student protesters.

A university spokesperson told KOMO News he was very encouraged by the positive direction of the meetings between the administration and camp organizers, which are now in their tenth day. Observation of student movements on campus and in university life did not seem disrupted by the growing number of tents set up by protesters next to the Old Main building.

RELATED: Vandalism, assault reported as pro-Palestinian encampment continues at WWU

The university welcomed high school students Friday who might want to apply to WWU, and KOMO News asked one of those Spokane students why she wanted to apply to WWU.

“I really love the community that I learned about at WWU and one of their programs, and I really love Bellingham,” Fiona Semb said.

And what did she think of the pro-Palestinian encampment, passing a sign listing their demands?

“I think it shows that there's a good activism community here, and I think that's really, really cool,” she responded. But university police and other departments are now investigating an assault as a potential hate crime. What does his mother's safety meter read?

RELATED: Pro-Palestinian protesters set up encampment at Western Washington University

“I want everyone to feel safe, and I'm sure everyone's parents feel exactly the same way,” said Jennifer Semb, Fiona's mother.

Jennifer told KOMO News that they passed the camp several times throughout the day and it seemed very peaceful.

“You know, sometimes you have to take risks, and I hope everyone makes good choices and protests peacefully,” Jennifer said.

The university president, in an online post, said that so far the protest at WWU has been peaceful and that they are working to ensure the health and safety of students in the camp .

KOMO News asked a student protester assigned as a media liaison for more details about the agenda they entered with, but she refused to release that information. Hours later, KOMO News asked her how the meeting with the administration went, and she said they had no comment.

KOMO News also requested an update from the university spokesperson, but has not yet received a response to that question.

With graduation just three weeks away, the administration said if the current status quo changed, they would have plans in place to respond to that, to keep everyone safe until commencement.