As students at UC Berkeley gear up for the upcoming final exams, a group of more than a dozen has taken to camping outdoors in a show of solidarity with their counterparts at other universities across the nation. These demonstrators have established a “Free Palestine encampment” outside Sproul Hall, armed with laptops and a resolute spirit. Spokesperson Matt Kovac of the group, known as “UC Berkeley Divest,” articulated their demands, emphasizing the need for UC Berkeley to break its silence on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and withdraw its financial support from weapons manufacturers implicated in the violence. They also called for enhanced protection for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students on campus.
Kovac further clarified that their movement is not a campus culture war pitting students against one another based on identity but rather a collective effort rooted in solidarity, anti-racism, and opposition to imperialism. UC Berkeley has issued a statement regarding the encampment, indicating that actions will be taken to prevent any disruptions to university operations. However, the university maintains its decision to uphold its current investment policies and practices.
While the situation remains peaceful at UC Berkeley, similar demonstrations have taken a different turn at Cal Poly Humboldt. Protesters there barricaded themselves inside a building, leading the university to label it a “dangerous and volatile situation” and suspend campus operations until at least Tuesday. University President Tom O’Rourke expressed concerns about the safety and respect of all involved, urging for respectful dialogue and transparency from the administration on these critical issues.
The Bay Area’s Jewish Community Relations Council has acknowledged the protesters’ right to free speech and assembly while condemning the use of “abhorrent” language. Despite the varying perspectives, the protesters have declared their resolve to continue their occupation until their demands are met.
