UCSD imposes graduation ban on arrested students

SAN DIEGO – News that seven UC San Diego seniors’ graduation ceremonies have been postponed came during a protest on campus Thursday in which academic staff demonstrated against the war in Gaza.

A university spokesperson confirmed that the suspensions were ordered by the UC Board of Regents, saying in a statement, “A degree suspension refers to the withholding of a student’s degree and transcripts pending the outcome of a student conduct violation process. The UC Board of Regents and President have directed universities to ensure that all students arrested on campus for violating the law must go through the appropriate student conduct violation process. Due to student privacy laws, the university cannot comment on specific student disciplinary proceedings.”

On May 6, 40 students and two professors were arrested on campus. In total, 64 arrests were confirmed by the university.

According to UC San Diego policy, a student conduct case may take more than a month to resolve. Students will receive an email notifying them of the disciplinary action, and a review hearing will then begin, at which both the university and the student will be allowed to call witnesses and make closing arguments.

After that, it can take more than two weeks for a decision to be sent by post. The student has the right to appeal against the decision.

UC San Diego’s graduation ceremonies are next weekend, so it’s unlikely that any of the arrested students will be allowed to attend the graduation ceremony. Ultimately, the students may still be able to receive their degrees, depending on the decision of each examiner.

One of the two professors arrested during the May 6 protests told CBS 8 that she was given papers summoning her to appear in court on the afternoon of June 17.

The city attorney emailed CBS 8 the following statement:

“UC San Diego police have begun referring cases to our office for possible misdemeanor prosecution related to the pro-Palestinian camp on campus. Our prosecutors will now review the facts of each case to determine if a crime was committed.”

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