Police in riot gear swarmed a mostly empty pro-Palestinian student encampment at Cal State Los Angeles on Monday.
Officers with the California Highway Patrol led the response at around 2 p.m., issuing a dispersal order to the seven people present at the encampment, according to university spokesperson Erik Frost Hollins. Protesters left voluntarily, and no arrests were made, Hollins said.
Videos of the confrontation circulating social media showed dozens of police vehicles parked in the surrounding streets, blocking access with yellow police tape. Patrols from LAPD and Cal State campus police joined CHP in the operation. By about 3 p.m., forklifts and large dumpsters were seen, as cleanup crews began to dismantle the encampment that held tents, chairs and wood paneling.
University President Berenecea Johnson Eanes issued a statement following the dispersal. “We will not negotiate with those who would use destruction and intimidation to meet their goals,” the statement read, referring to actions carried out by demonstrators last week.
On Wednesday, more than 50 protesters breached and barricaded themselves inside the Student Services building with university staffers inside, closing off entrances with tables and umbrellas to limit access, Hollins said. Campus administration confirmed that all protesters and staff vacated the building shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday.
“We will need to confront the aftermath of sheltering inside SSB, the anger at the destruction of student spaces they worked so hard to create, and the grief of feeling less safe on a campus we all cherish,” Eanes’ statement read.
Eanes also noted in her statement that all classes and operations on campus would remain virtual.
Students at the encampment have occupied a space outside the school’s gymnasium since May 1, calling for the university’s disclosure and divestment from groups with ties to Israel.
Previously, Eanes had been in ongoing communication with the encampment and its advisors, and had made commitments on transparency, conversations and mental health support. She had said that as long as the encampment remained non-violent, she would continue talks.
The Boyle Heights Beat reached out to the CHP and encampment organizers, Students for Justice in Palestine, but did not receive an immediate response.
This story was updated at 4:55 p.m. to reflect President Eanes’ statement and background information.
Andrew Lopez and Ricky Rodas contributed to this report.
