Since Monday, hundreds of students have occupied Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East at the university in Arcata. Students at the university used furniture, tents, chains and zip ties to block entrances to the buildings “in solidarity with those facing genocide in Gaza,” according to a statement from the organizers.
Cal Poly Humboldt abruptly closed its campus this weekend through the remainder of the school year after the occupation of an academic and administrative building by pro-Palestinian activists.
On Friday, some students continued occupying the buildings in defiance of the university’s 5 p.m. deadline to peacefully clear out — or face arrests and discipline by the university. Others had left the buildings and remained on campus to continue their protest.
“I’m here to support (Palestinians), and I think it’s the least someone can do to hope for a cease-fire and stop the violence that Israel is perpetuating against Gaza and Palestinians,” said Kieran, a Jewish student who identified themselves only by their first name, standing in the quad outside Siemens Hall on Friday evening.
The school estimated that the cost of illegal activities will be “in the millions.”
In a message posted Saturday, the university said a “hard closure” was being enforced, and that individuals were prohibited from entering or being on campus without permission, according to Fox News.com
