A university in California, Cal Poly Humboldt, has been compelled to alter its upcoming commencement plans due to anti-Israel protests and unrest on campus. The protests led to agitators occupying two academic buildings, resulting in police intervention and arrests.
Cal Poly Humboldt announced on Wednesday that it will proceed with a modified in-person commencement ceremony, along with additional ceremonies to accommodate the situation. The commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, with further details to be provided later this week.
Following the arrests of dozens of anti-Israel agitators who were forcibly removed from Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East, the university declared a 'hard closure' of the campus. This measure restricts access through the center of the campus, ensuring safety and security for all individuals.
Despite the closure, students with meal plans, including off-campus residents, are permitted to utilize dining facilities such as The J, College Creek Marketplace, and the Cupboard, which will operate during regular hours. Access to these facilities requires students to walk down LK Wood to Granite Avenue and back. Housing residents are allowed to leave and return to campus as needed.
Law enforcement officers conducted an operation in the early hours of Tuesday, arresting 35 individuals involved in the building occupations. The arrests, which included charges of unlawful assembly, vandalism, conspiracy, and assault of police officers, were carried out without incident, and no injuries were reported.
