A California university on Sunday said the cost of these illegal acts would be “millions of dollars” after days of violence on campus in which anti-Israel agitators took over two campus buildings. issued a written statement.
California State Polytechnic State University Humboldt, or simply California State Polytechnic State University Humboldt, condemned the “lawless acts” of the instigators and said the insurrection “has nothing to do with free speech or freedom of inquiry.” Ta.
“This was an outrageous act that disrupted our education, tarnished our school’s reputation, and harmed a large number of students who depleted the resources necessary to achieve our core educational objectives,” the Arcata-based university said in a statement. said. As a result, the school will be forced to spend “millions of dollars” in repairs to its facilities, it added. But the actual costs could be even worse.
“This includes loss of revenue due to disruption to university operations, as well as damage caused by theft, vandalism, and graffiti, as well as materials and personnel needed to repair it,” the university said. “But the real cost is the disruption of education for students who came here to learn and earn college degrees.”
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On April 24, 2024, as the conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas continues in Los Angeles, anti-Israel demonstrators held a similar protest at the University of Southern California’s Alumni Park. (Reuters/Zaidi Sanchez)
The university said the problem is not the protests themselves, but other “criminal acts,” including “the continued illegal occupation of campus buildings by students and non-students” and “vandalism, theft, destruction of state property, and threats against the university.” ”. employee. ”
These actions posed a “safety hazard to those who barricaded themselves inside the building and blocked exits to the building,” the university said.
The university said students who occupied Siemens Hall, one of two halls dubbed “Intifada Hall” by protesters, were repeatedly asked to move their demonstrations outdoors. However, it was refused.
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The statement said they then called police and said the decision led to a “confrontation.”
“Those inside Siemens Hall were repeatedly asked to move their demonstration outside to the University Quad, which is located in the heart of campus and directly in front of the building. If they refused, they would be considered trespassing if they did not leave the building. “I was warned multiple times that I would be arrested for…” As police attempted to enforce the dispersal order, each person resisted arrest, but as it became clear that the situation was deteriorating, police “We withdrew to ensure the safety of the public and law enforcement officers,” he said Sunday.
Protest camps have been popping up at elite universities in the US since Columbia University students started their protest camps on April 18th. (Reuters/Zaidi Sanchez)
The university added that its goal “has always been to bring the occupation to a peaceful end, and we remain in dialogue with anyone who wishes to engage in a productive and respectful dialogue.”
“From the beginning, the university’s interest has not been in the protests themselves,” the university said in a statement. “We have a long history of activism and civic engagement on this campus, and we unequivocally support the right 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.
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In a message posted Saturday, the university said a “mandatory closure” was in place and individuals would be prohibited from entering or exiting campus without permission.
“Students living in on-campus residence halls are presumed to have permission to stay in limited areas of their residence halls and dining halls,” the university wrote. “Student residents will not be granted permission to reside elsewhere on campus until further updates are made.”
Anti-Israel students have occupied two academic buildings on the UC Humboldt campus: Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East. (California State University/Facebook)
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The university said Sunday that anyone occupying an academic building or “illegally camping in the vicinity of its facilities” should peacefully leave campus as soon as possible. “Voluntary resignation will be considered as a potentially mitigating factor.” [the] It has the potential to improve universities’ conduct processes and reduce the severity of sanctions imposed. However, this does not exclude liability for potential actions or criminal charges.”
FOX News’ Bradford Betts contributed to this report.
