BUZZ
‘Nothing more than a fear tactic’ by Trump
The Georgetown University Student Association and College Democrats aren’t happy that federal agents “appeared to be present” on campus last week.
According to the student paper The Hoya, the presence of the feds appeared confirmed by photos “obtained and reviewed” by the paper, as well as a statement by the student government.
Trump’s “police federalization” and deployment of the National Guard in the nation’s capital began August 11. It includes roughly 850 federal officials to work with local law enforcement.
Georgetown U. College Democrats Co-President Dhruv Shah said he and six Georgetown students saw agents on campus early last Wednesday evening.
“I did not see them interacting with any community members but their presence on campus coupled with silence from the university thus far on the militarization of D.C. by the Trump administration is very concerning,” Shah, who is “very passionate about progressive politics,” told the Hoya.
Likewise, Georgetown U. Student Association President Ethan Henshaw (pictured), the former chair of the Georgetown College Democrats who defended a student government vote on divestment from Israel during Passover this year, said it was “dangerous” that agents were on campus.
“Patrolling university campuses is a waste of federal time and resources, and nothing more than a fear tactic being used by the Trump administration against students and residents of D.C.,” Henshaw said.
MORE: Professor: Trump’s ‘DC takeover’ a ‘slide towards fascism’
Henshaw added the student government will be working “to figure out how to best educate students and protect them from any possible encounters this fall.”
The Georgetown U. Student Association Instagram account warned about the presence of federal law enforcement on August 14.
“We understand that this news may feel unsettling as you return for the semester,” the post reads. “We encourage you to rely on your peers, communities, and campus resources as we navigate this moment together.”
The post also informs students about “what to do if you’re approached” by agents, and “key phrases” to know when dealing with same.
Georgetown Vice President for Public Affairs Erik Smulson said in a campus email “We do not anticipate any significant changes to our long-standing, mutually respectful relationship with our local MPD precincts, which is critical to ensuring the safety of our campus and surrounding neighborhoods.”
MORE: After calling for ‘symbolic strike’ by Iran on U.S. base, Georgetown professor placed on leave
IMAGE CAPTION & CREDIT: An angry pink-haired college student; HBRH/Shutterstock.com. INTERIOR IMAGE: Ethan Henshaw/Linkedin
