Georgetown News: Antisemitism Testimony, Georgetown Day Changes, PTO Updates, Hotel Renovation, and Fall Sports Highlights

Good afternoon, Hoyas! It's Monday, July 21, 2025, and here's what's happening at Georgetown University. On July 15, Interim President Robert M. Groves testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding allegations of antisemitism on campus. President Groves emphasized Georgetown's commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and upholding free speech while enforcing university policies. He stated, "Antisemitism is incompatible with living our mission." In response to student concerns over restrictions implemented during Georgetown Day 2024, the Georgetown University Student Association launched the "Save Georgetown Day" petition. The petition, which gathered 295 signatures in two days, led the administration to announce on April 23 that some restrictions would be loosened for future Georgetown Day celebrations. Effective July 1, 2025, Georgetown University has updated its Paid Time Off benefits for administrative employees. The university is transitioning from an accrual to an allotment model to encourage staff to take time off and reduce financial liability from unused PTO. Employees will receive their full annual PTO allotment in addition to maintaining the use of their remaining accrued PTO. Georgetown University is set to begin renovations for its campus hotel in fall 2025. The five-story hotel will feature 146 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, and over 13,000 square feet of event and meeting space. The design aims to modernize the space while matching Georgetown’s overall architectural style. The men's golf team has announced its fall 2025 schedule, featuring five events, including hosting the 41st Annual Georgetown Intercollegiate at Echo Lake Country Club from October 13-14. Head Coach Tommy Hunter stated, "Our fall schedule provides a great opportunity to compete against some of the nation's top golf programs and play on golf courses that present great challenges." In men's soccer, the team will host NCAA qualifier West Virginia and American for exhibition matches on August 8 and 10 before playing at Virginia on August 15 to close out the preseason. The Hoyas will face six teams that appeared in the 2024 NCAA Championship, including Vermont, the reigning national champion. The women's soccer team will open the 2025 campaign at Shaw Field, hosting Old Dominion on August 14. The Hoyas will play eight nonconference games, five of which are against opponents who made the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Head Coach Dave Nolan commented, "Once again we have put together an incredibly challenging non-conference schedule to supplement the rigors of BIG EAST play." That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around the Hilltop. Hoya Saxa!