Cal Poly Humboldt, a university in California, issued a strongly worded statement condemning the lawless behavior of anti-Israel agitators who took over two academic buildings on campus. The university stated that the cost of these illegal activities would be in the millions, including damages from theft, vandalism, and graffiti, as well as the resources needed to repair the facilities. The disruption caused by the protests has affected the education of students and the overall reputation of the school. The university emphasized that the ongoing occupation of campus buildings and other criminal acts, such as vandalism and theft, have created safety hazards and interrupted university operations.
The university clarified that their issue was not with the protest itself, but with the unlawful activities of students and non-students occupying campus buildings. Despite repeated requests to move their demonstration outside, protesters in Siemens Hall refused and were warned of the consequences. This led to a confrontation between police and individuals who resisted arrest. Despite this, the university’s goal has always been to bring a peaceful end to the occupation and engage in productive dialogue with demonstrators. The university has a history of supporting activism and civic engagement on campus, but the current situation has disrupted the educational environment for students.
In response to the ongoing occupation of Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East, Cal Poly Humboldt announced the closure of its campus for the remainder of the semester. A hard closure was enforced, prohibiting individuals from entering campus without permission. Residents living on campus were allowed to remain in their designated areas but were prohibited from entering other parts of the campus. The university urged those occupying the academic buildings to leave peacefully, stating that voluntary departure could reduce the severity of sanctions imposed in the conduct process.
The university’s decision to close the campus came after anti-Israel protesters continued to occupy the academic buildings despite repeated warnings and confrontations with law enforcement. The disruption caused by the protests has not only led to financial losses for the university but has also impacted the education of students and the overall campus environment. The university emphasized its support for peaceful protests and dialogue but condemned the unlawful occupation of campus buildings and criminal acts that have created safety hazards and disrupted university operations.
The closure of the Cal Poly Humboldt campus for the remainder of the semester was a drastic measure taken in response to the ongoing occupation of academic buildings and the refusal of protesters to comply with requests to peacefully vacate the premises. The university’s priority has always been the safety and well-being of its students and faculty, and the decision to close the campus was made to maintain a secure and conducive learning environment. By enforcing a hard closure and prohibiting unauthorized individuals from entering campus, the university aims to bring an end to the occupation and restore normalcy to the academic community.
In conclusion, the actions of anti-Israel agitators at Cal Poly Humboldt have resulted in significant financial costs, disruptions to education, and safety hazards on campus. The university’s efforts to peacefully end the occupation of academic buildings have been met with resistance, leading to confrontations with law enforcement. The decision to close the campus for the remainder of the semester reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe and productive learning environment for its students. Moving forward, the university will continue to engage in dialogue with protesters while upholding the principles of free speech and peaceful assembly within the boundaries of the law.