SAN DIEGO — Following more than 60 arrests on the campus of UC San Diego early Monday morning, those taken into custody have been released after many of them were booked at the Central Jail in downtown San Diego.
Outside the jail, a couple hundred supporters of those arrested gathered to demand their release, saying that these protesters were exercising their freedom of speech peacefully.
As they were released, many of the protesters received cheers and applause from the crowds of supporters waiting for them.
Most did not want to talk to the media, with some protesters attempting to block our cameras with umbrellas and cardboard.
One arrestee, however, did make a brief statement.
"We made it!" he said. "That's my short statement... see ya!"
In all, more than 60 people were arrested, 40 of whom were students or affiliated with UC San Diego, according to the administration.
Twenty-four were described as either 'unaffiliated' or their status is unknown at this time.
Most of those arrested face a misdemeanor charge of unlawful assembly.
In a statement, the administration said the arrests were made after protesters were ordered multiple times by law enforcement to disperse, leading to at times tense confrontations.
"UC San Diego encourages and allows peaceful protests, but this encampment violated campus policy and the law, and grew to pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of the campus community," said UCSD Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla.
Supporters of the protesters who gathered outside the Central Jail downtown railed against the arrests.
"We are here to demand the immediate release of all students because none of them did anything wrong!" said one.
A student organizer reiterated the demonstrators' demands, including amnesty for all protesters.
"We have every single right to protest," she said, "and the brutality that we were met with today was unprecedented."
"As faculty, we are calling on the Chancellor to release them, to not level any charges, " added UC San Diego Professor Gary Fields.
But these student protesters who've been arrested are facing charges, according to attorney Brian Watkins.
"When it crosses the lines, and they start breaking the law and you're not obeying lawful commands, then the university has a duty to its other students who paid tuition and want to go to class,"
"A university is for me to go to school, not for you to voice your opinion," Watkins added. "You can voice your opinion on a college campus, but not when it is inhibiting me going to school."
The administration of UC San Diego said their decision to clear the encampment Monday morning was made in light of the "significant dangers" they say it posed to people inside and outside the encampment, including finding propane tanks in the encampment.
As for those students arrested, they will all be facing immediate suspensions from the university, although it's unclear at this point how long those suspensions will last.
Here is the full statement from the Chancellor of UC San Diego:
Early this morning, law enforcement authorities successfully removed an illegal encampment on the UC San Diego campus after five days of attempts to communicate with participants and multiple, clear requests to disperse. UC San Diego encourages and allows peaceful protests, but this encampment violated campus policy and the law and grew to pose an unacceptable risk to the safety of the campus community.
Sixty-four individuals were arrested after refusing the dispersal requests. Of those, 40 were identified as students and are facing interim suspension for violation of the student code of conduct. Twenty-four are either unidentified at this time or are unaffiliated with the university. Two minor injuries were reported.
Before any arrests were made this morning, encampment participants were repeatedly provided with opportunities and warnings to disperse. While many people voluntarily left the encampment, regrettably others chose to stay and be arrested. The campsite was dismantled within one hour and without any serious incidents.
The decision to clear the campsite was made due to consideration of the significant dangers to people inside and outside of the encampment. Upon entering the campsite, wooden stakes, propane tanks, metal and plywood shields, aerosol spray cans and a sword were discovered, all of which posed unacceptable hazards for health, fire safety and security. Additionally, participants denied access to fire marshal and health inspectors, established check points and limited free access to areas of campus. These are all intolerable actions on the UC San Diego campus, which exists for the benefit of all university affiliates.
After the encampment was removed, protesters interfered with police operations, including physically obstructing San Diego County Sheriff officers and buses, blocking movement and banging on windows in an attempt to hinder the arrest process. This resulted in one additional arrest.
Dialogue, free speech (https://freespeech.ucsd.edu/) and academic freedom are cornerstones of our university. At the same time, we must ensure that Tritons, regardless of opinions and identity, have equal access to our campus and that everyone has the opportunity to work and learn in an environment free from harassment, intimidation or discrimination. We will not waver in our focus to sustain the safety, well-being and success of our campus community as we fulfill our academic mission.
Resources and Support
During these difficult times, if you are experiencing feelings of distress or anxiety, UC San Diego has resources to support you (https://updates.ucsd.edu/israel-hamas-war/index.html). Students seeking immediate mental health and coping support can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (https://caps.ucsd.edu/) at (858) 534-3755, and faculty and staff can contact Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (https://blink.ucsd.edu/sponsor/hr/divisions-units/programs-rewards/fsap.html) at (858) 534-5523.
Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor
Watch Related: UC San Diego protests lead to 64 arrests, students clash with police (May 6, 2024)