Cal Poly Humboldt in California issued a statement condemning the illegal activities of anti-Israel agitators who took over two academic buildings on campus. The university stated that the cost of these activities would amount to “millions,” and that the ongoing rebellion had nothing to do with free speech or freedom of inquiry. The university expressed concern for the disruption of education for the majority of students, damage to the school’s reputation, and the drain on resources from the core educational purpose due to theft, vandalism, and graffiti, among other criminal acts. The true cost of these actions was even greater due to the disruption of university operations and the need for repairs.
The university clarified that its issue was not with the protest itself, but with the ongoing unlawful occupation of campus buildings by students and non-students, as well as other criminal acts such as vandalism, theft, destruction of state property, and intimidation of university employees. Safety hazards were created by barricading exits to the building, prompting the university to repeatedly ask students to relocate their demonstration outside without success. After multiple warnings to leave the building or face arrest for trespassing, law enforcement officers confronted individuals resisting arrest. The university’s goal has always been to peacefully end the occupation and engage in productive and respectful dialogue with those involved.
Cal Poly Humboldt announced the closure of its campus for the remainder of the semester starting Monday, as anti-Israel protesters continued their occupation of Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East. A hard closure was enforced, prohibiting individuals from entering or being on campus without permission. The university stated that students who live on campus in residence halls are presumed permission to remain in their limited area but are not permitted in other parts of the campus. Those occupying the academic buildings or illegally camping around them were urged to leave peacefully as soon as possible to potentially mitigate sanctions imposed.
The university emphasized its support for peaceful assembly, protest, and the right to have voices heard. It expressed a long history of activism and civic engagement on campus. Despite the closure of the campus, the university continued to engage in dialogue with anyone willing to have respectful discussions. Law enforcement was involved in attempting to disperse individuals inside Siemens Hall, leading to a confrontation when individuals resisted arrest. Police eventually withdrew for the safety of those inside the building and law enforcement officers. The university encouraged those occupying the buildings to leave voluntarily, as it may be considered a mitigating factor in the university’s conduct processes.
In conclusion, the university has condemned the lawless behavior of anti-Israel agitators who took over academic buildings on campus. The cost of these illegal activities was stated to be in the millions, considering damage from theft, vandalism, and graffiti, as well as the disruption to university operations. The university emphasized its support for activism and civic engagement but stressed the need for a peaceful end to the occupation. The closure of the campus for the remainder of the semester was enforced, with individuals prohibited from entering without permission. The university urged those occupying the buildings to leave peacefully, potentially mitigating sanctions imposed.
