Cal Poly Humboldt slams ‘lawless behavior’ of anti-Israel protests: ‘nothing to do with free speech’
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt issued a statement Sunday, condemning the “lawless behavior” of
anti-Israel protesters who have taken over two academic buildings, and rebranded them "Intifada Hall."
The university said its issue was not with the protest itself, but with the “ongoing unlawful occupation of campus buildings by students and non-students.”
The protesters’ objectionable actions, the university said, include such “criminal acts” as “vandalism, theft, destruction of state property and intimidation of University employees,” actions that have created “safety hazards for those who have barricaded themselves inside, blocking exits to the building.”
“This has nothing to do with free speech or freedom of inquiry,” the university said. “ It is lawless behavior that has harmed the vast majority of our students whose education has been interrupted, damaged the reputation of our school, and drained resources from the accomplishment of our core educational purpose.”
The University said protesters inside Siemens Hall – one of two that has been taken over – were ask to move their demonstration outside but refused. Police attempted to enforce the order to disperse but individuals resisted arrest, ending in a confrontation that escalated and led to police withdrawing.
The University said its goal “has always been to bring a peaceful end to the occupation, and we continue to talk to anyone willing to have productive and respectful dialogue.”
It estimated that the cost of illegal activities will be “in the millions.”
“That includes damage done by theft, vandalism and graffiti, and the supplies and personnel needed to repair that, in addition to the loss of revenue from disruption to University operations,” the University said. “But the true cost has been the disruption of the education of our students who came here to learn and get a college degree.”
