Cal Poly Humboldt Campus Shuts Down Amid Nationwide Gaza-Related Protests
In solidarity with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, pro-Palestinian protesters across the United States staged demonstrations on university campuses, leading to closures and arrests. Cal Poly Humboldt became the latest institution to experience campus unrest as masked demonstrators occupied an administrative building, Siemens Hall, and barricaded the entrance.
The occupation at Cal Poly Humboldt began on Monday night, with protesters erecting tents and a banner demanding an end to the ‘genocide’ in Gaza. Law enforcement officers in helmets and riot shields arrived at the scene and attempted to take students into custody, but the crowd reportedly pulled them back.
As tensions escalated, the university issued an emergency alert at 8:30 pm, closing the campus through Wednesday ‘for the safety of the campus community.’ Students and faculty were advised to avoid the area of the building due to the ‘dangerous and volatile situation.’
Inside the building, protesters held signs urging supporters outside to resist law enforcement. However, around 11 pm, law enforcement officers left the front of Siemens Hall. Buildings were locked down on Tuesday, and in-person classes were canceled, with students instructed to check for remote class arrangements with their instructors or supervisors.
The protesters at Cal Poly Humboldt have issued a list of demands, including the disclosure of all university holdings and collaborations with Israel, the termination of ties with Israeli universities, the dropping of charges against student organizers, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The campus closure at Cal Poly Humboldt echoes similar protests and closures at other universities across the country. Columbia University canceled in-person classes after over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested last week. Dozens of protesters were also arrested at New York University and Yale, and the gates to Harvard Yard were closed to the public.
The nationwide demonstrations underscore the deep concerns and solidarity among students and faculty over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the wider issue of Palestinian human rights.
