CalPoly Humboldt calls protest "dangerous" and an "occupation"

(title of CalPoly Humboldt press release)

The press release is from the CalPoly Humboldt and is their version of events. Then there are the tweets about Cal Poly Humboldt and the police response. Only two posted below. Last year's coverage about Cal Poly student sleeping in cars, Josiah Lawson has been mentioned in some tweets. So far,locally, regionally and nationally on Twitter X, Cal Poly Humboldt is being referred to HSU, Stoner U and students are getting more support. The water cooler dispenser is a star on Twitter X. CalPoly Humboldt issued another update on 4/23 which claims three protesters were arrested overnight. The jail log is a day behind so only one arrest was listed. CalPoly Humboldt says an unknown number of students have occupied another building in the area. The 4/24 update says CalPoly Humboldt is closed for the weekend and maybe beyond that date. They have a link for future updates. I did receive a 4/25 press release and am not posting daily updates with just selective information that can be read on CalPoly Humboldt's website. On 4/26 the University posted an initial response answers to protestors demands on the website.

CalPoly Press Release (4/22):

Several protesters are occupying Siemens Hall, an academic and administrative building on campus. Campus is closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community.

The University is deeply worried about the safety of the students who remain in the building. 

The University is urgently asking that the students listen to directives from the law enforcement that has responded and peacefully leave the building.

Students and others are advised to avoid the area of the building, as it is a dangerous situation.

Several protestors inside have barricaded themselves inside the building with furniture, vandalized parts of the building, and blocked entrances and elevators with tents, violating fire codes and creating extreme safety hazards for those inside.

The situation began at approximately 4:50 p.m. when University Police received reports of dozens of protesters occupying the building.

Classes in Siemens Hall were canceled, and the five courses that were in progress were evacuated. The building was shut down after protesters refused to leave voluntarily. 

Cal Poly update (4/23):

Protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall, an academic and administrative building on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt.

Three protesters were arrested overnight stemming from the occupation and confrontation with law enforcement both inside and outside the building. 

Dozens of protestors remain inside Siemens Hall. Through the evening, they barricaded every entrance to the building with furniture, creating a hazardous situation for protestors inside. 

An unknown number of students have occupied another building in the area.

The University is concerned about the safety of the students who remain in the building, and has been  asking the students to remain open to dialogue around a peaceful resolution. 

The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive. There are many avenues and options to express views that don't involve disrupting operations and vandalizing campus, which interferes with the campus community's rights to a safe and peaceful environment. 

University police continue to closely monitor an evolving situation. The University has had strategic meetings with law enforcement and fire officials about the health and safety of those barricading themselves inside the building.

The campus community is advised to avoid the area of the building.

On Monday night, the University announced that the campus will be closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community. Buildings are locked down and limited campus services, such as Dining, are available.

At 4:50 p.m., University Police received reports of dozens of protesters occupying the first and second floors of Siemens Hall.

Classes in Siemens Hall were canceled. Students and faculty of five courses that were in progress and employees inside were evacuated. The building was shut down after protesters began disrupting classes and University operations, and vandalizing University property.

They blocked entrances and elevators with tents and at one point shut doors using chains and zip ties at various locations, violating fire codes and creating extreme safety hazards for those inside. Protestors were given multiple warnings and opportunities to exit the building voluntarily.

Those who are able to work remotely have been directed to continue to do so. In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible. Instructors are posting course updates online.

CalPoly Humboldt (4/24 update):

Protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall, plus another building at Cal Poly Humboldt. Campus will now be closed through the weekend, and work and instruction continue to be remote. The University is making various contingency plans, including possibly keeping campus closed beyond that.

The safety, health, and wellbeing of our students is paramount as the situation has become increasingly complex. There are unidentified non-students with unknown intentions, in Siemens Hall. This creates an unpredictable environment. In addition, all entrances to the building are barricaded, creating a fire hazard. Adding to health and safety concerns, many toilets are no longer working.

The occupation of Siemens Hall causes complex operational challenges that require the closure of other facilities on campus. In particular, there is a risk of other buildings being occupied, as protestors have shown a willingness to enter unlocked buildings and either lock themselves in or steal equipment. The occupation is also having a negative impact on other students, who are trying to complete classes at the end of the semester.

Campus officials are communicating with protestors and continuing to encourage them to leave as soon as possible. 

As protestors have been told, the continued occupation of the building is causing the ongoing closure of other campus facilities. Upcoming activities and events are being canceled, while other important events such as IdeaFest are in question.

 

In recent days, hateful graffiti has been painted on university property. The University condemns in the strongest terms all forms of hatred, bigotry, and violence. Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, hatred, and bigotry in all forms have no place at Cal Poly Humboldt. The University is actively offering support to all students and has been in touch with local Jewish community leaders.

The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive. That does not include behavior that involves destroying and damaging property, and disrupting students, faculty, and staff from learning, teaching, and working. Everyone deserves to be in an environment where everyone can feel safe, included, and respected. 

Numerous laws have been broken, including resisting arrest, destroying and damaging property, criminal trespass, and more.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are providing additional resources and support.

For additional updates check humboldt.edu.