UW Black Student Union pushes for removal of George Washington statue UW's Black Student Union made seven demands of the university, including policing practices, diversity requirements and removing the George Washington statue. Author: Natalie Swaby Updated: 10:59 PM PST February 15, 2021 SEATTLE — In recent months, students on the University of Washington's campus have re-examined the role of racism and pushed for change. "Things really shifted during the uprisings of George Floyd,” said Mahilet Mesfin, president of UW’s Black Student Union. Mesfin says the BSU presented a list of seven demands for the University of Washington administration to meet the needs of Black students. The list, in part, focused on policing practices, diversity requirements, expanding mental health resources, hiring more Black faculty and removing the George Washington statue.