GW affirms our commitment to “the protection of free speech, the freedom of assembly, and safeguarding the right of lawful protest.”  This includes a commitment to safeguard the rights of different viewpoints to engage in speech and the right of others to peace and safety.

To support our students in making thoughtful and deliberate decisions about if and how they engage in protest and civil disobedience, we want to remind students of the following:

• The Code of Student Conduct may apply to student behavior both on and off campus.
• Students who violate the law may be held accountable by both the legal system and GW’s conduct process.
• The Code of Student Conduct prohibits the following behaviors that sometimes occur in protest:
  • Access without authorization
  • Community disturbance
  • Discriminatory harassment
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Misconduct related to property
  • Physical abuse
• For a more complete list of prohibited behaviors, we encourage students to review the Prohibited Conduct section of the Code of Student Conduct.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Over the next few weeks, students may experience a number of reactions. Having a reaction is both normal and expected. Sometimes emotional aftershocks or stress reactions appear immediately and some may appear in a few hours or several days/weeks after.  If and when this happens, we encourage you to reach out to talk to someone. It may be helpful to talk to an empathetic, neutral listener.

Our mental health professionals are available to speak to GW students and can consult with faculty, staff, or families about any mental health-related concerns, if desired. 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)  is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 202-994-5300.

Students can call from anywhere for a phone consultation or for a crisis call. If additional services are needed, next steps will depend on your needs.

Services are free, including the initial consultation, 24/7 crisis support, and the first individual counseling sessions. Everyone who needs care and support receives it. Additional self-help resources are also available on the Student Health Center website.