A California university issued a strongly worded statement Sunday after days of unrest on campus Anti-Israel protesters Taking over two academic buildings, saying that the cost of these illegal activities would be “in lakhs”.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, or simply Cal Poly Humboldt, condemned the “lawless behavior” of the agitators and said the current insurrection “has nothing to do with free speech or freedom of inquiry.”
“It is this disorderly behavior that has harmed the majority of our students Education has been disrupted, Damaged the reputation of our school, and diverted resources from serving our core educational purpose,” the university, based in Arcata, said. As a result, the school said, it will be forced to spend “millions” to repair the facilities. But, the real cost could be worse.
“This includes the loss of revenue from the disruption to university operations, as well as the supplies and personnel needed to repair damage caused by theft, vandalism and graffiti,” the university said. “But the real cost is the disruption to the education of our students who came here to learn and earn a college degree.”
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Anti-Israel protesters hold a similar protest at the University of Southern California Alumni Park amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and terrorist group Hamas in Los Angeles on April 24, 2024. (Reuters/Zaydi Sanchez)
The university said its issue was not just with the protests, but with the “ongoing unlawful occupation of campus buildings by students and non-students” and other “criminal acts”, including “vandalism, theft, destruction of state property and Intimidating the University”. Employee.”
These actions “created a safety hazard for those who locked themselves inside and blocked the exits from the building,” the university said.
The university said the students who occupied Siemens Hall – one of two that protesters have dubbed “Intifada Hall” – were repeatedly asked to move their demonstration outside but refused.
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It later called police and said the decision resulted in a “confrontation,” according to the statement.
“People inside Siemens Hall were repeatedly asked to move their demonstration outside to the University Quad, which is in the middle of campus, right in front of the building. When they refused, they walked out. warned several times To leave the building or face arrest for trespassing. When police attempted to enforce the dispersal order, the individuals resisted arrest, which ended in a confrontation. When it became clear that the situation was escalating, the police retreated to protect the people inside the building and the law enforcement officials,” it said on Sunday.
Protests have erupted at elite American colleges and universities since student protests began at Columbia University on April 18. (Reuters/Zaydi Sanchez)
The university said its goal “has always been to bring about a peaceful end to the occupation, and we continue to speak to anyone interested in productive and respectful dialogue.”
It clarified, “From the beginning, the University’s concern has not been solely about protests.” “We have a long history of activism and civic engagement on this campus, and we clearly support the rights of students and others to peacefully assemble, protest, and have their voices heard.”
Cal Poly Humboldt announced Saturday that it will close its campus for the remainder of the semester starting Monday as anti-Israel protesters continue to occupy Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East.
In a message posted Saturday, the university said a “hard closure” was being implemented, and individuals would be prohibited from entering or remaining on campus without permission.
“Students who live in a residence hall on campus are permitted to be in a limited number of areas and dining facilities within that hall,” the university wrote. “Until next update, student resident There is no permission to be in other parts of the campus.”
Anti-Israel students are occupying two academic buildings on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus, Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East. (California State University/Facebook)
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The university said on Sunday that those who are occupying educational building Or “those camping illegally in the vicinity of those facilities” should peacefully leave the premises as soon as possible. It states, “Voluntarily leaving will be considered a potential mitigating factor in the University’s conduct procedures and may reduce the severity of the sanctions imposed. However, it does not eliminate responsibility for any potential conduct or criminal charges.” Is.”
Fox News’ Bradford Betz contributed to this report.
