Dozens arrested during protests at UC San Diego

SAN DIEGO – After more than 60 arrests on the UC San Diego campus early Monday morning, detainees were released after many of them were housed at the Central Jail in downtown San Diego.

A few hundred supporters of those arrested gathered outside the prison to demand their release, saying that these protesters were peacefully exercising their freedom of expression.

When they were released, many of the protesters received cheers and applause from the crowd of supporters waiting for them.

Most didn’t want to talk to the media, some protesters tried to block our cameras with umbrellas and cardboard boxes.

However, one detainee made a brief statement.

“We made it!” he said. “That’s my short statement… see you then!”

According to the administration, more than 60 people were arrested in total, including 40 UC San Diego students or employees.

Twenty-four have been described as either “unaffiliated” or their status is currently unknown.

Most of those arrested face criminal charges for unlawful assembly.

In a statement, the government said the arrests came after police repeatedly ordered protesters to disperse, at times leading to tense clashes.

“UC San Diego encourages and allows peaceful protests, but this encampment violated campus policies and the law and posed an unacceptable risk to the safety of the campus community,” said UCSD Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla.

Supporters of demonstrators who gathered outside the central prison downtown protested the arrests.

“We are here to demand the immediate release of all students because none of them have done anything wrong!” said one.

A student organizer reiterated the protesters’ demands, including an amnesty for all protesters.

“We have every right to protest,” she said, “and the brutality we faced today was unprecedented.”

“As a faculty, we call on the chancellor to release her and not press charges,” added UC San Diego professor Gary Fields.

However, the arrested student protesters will face charges, according to attorney Brian Watkins.

“When the boundaries are crossed and they start breaking the law and not following lawful commandments, then the university has a duty to its other students who have paid tuition and want to go to class.”

“A university is for me to go to school, not for you to express your opinions,” Watkins added. “You can express your opinion on a university campus, but not if it prevents me from going to school.”

UC San Diego administration said its decision to evacuate the camp Monday morning was made in light of the “significant dangers” it posed to people inside and outside the camp, including the discovery of propane tanks at the camp.

As for the arrested students, they all face immediate suspensions from the university, although it is unclear at this time how long these suspensions will last.

Here is the full statement from the UC San Diego Chancellor:

Earlier today, law enforcement successfully cleared an illegal encampment on the UC San Diego campus after five days of attempting to communicate with participants and after multiple clear requests to disperse. UC San Diego encourages and allows peaceful protests, but this encampment violated campus policies and the law and posed an unacceptable risk to the safety of the campus community.

64 people were arrested after refusing calls to disperse. Of these, 40 have been identified as students and face interim suspension for violating the student code of conduct. 24 are currently either unidentified or not affiliated with the university. Two minor injuries were reported.

Before any arrests were made this morning, camp participants were given repeated opportunities and warnings to disperse. While many people left the camp voluntarily, others unfortunately chose to stay and be arrested. The campsite was dismantled within an hour and without any major incidents.

The decision to evacuate the campsite was made due to the significant risks to people inside and outside the campsite. Upon entering the campground, wooden poles, propane tanks, metal and plywood shields, aerosol spray cans and a sword were discovered, all of which posed unacceptable health, fire and safety hazards. In addition, participants were denied access to fire and health inspectors, checkpoints were set up, and free access to areas of the campus was restricted. These are all intolerable actions on the UC San Diego campus, which exists for the benefit of all university members.

After the encampment was cleared, protesters interfered with police operations by physically standing in the way of San Diego County Sheriff’s officers and buses, blocking traffic, and banging on windows to impede the arrest process. This led to another arrest.

Dialogue, free expression (https://freespeech.ucsd.edu/) and academic freedom are cornerstones of our university. At the same time, we must ensure that Tritons, regardless of opinion and identity, have equal access to our campus and that everyone has the opportunity to work and learn in an environment free from harassment, intimidation or discrimination. We will not waver in our focus on maintaining the safety, well-being and success of our campus community as we fulfill our academic mission.

Resources and Support

If you are experiencing feelings of distress or fear during these difficult times, UC San Diego has resources to support you (https://updates.ucsd.edu/israel-hamas-war/index.html). Students seeking immediate mental health and coping support may contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (https://caps.ucsd.edu/) and faculty and staff at (858) 534-3755 can contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (https://caps.ucsd.edu/://blink.ucsd.edu/sponsor/hr/divisions-units/programs-rewards/fsap.html) at (858 ) 534-5523.

Pradeep K. Khosla
Chancellor

See also: UC San Diego protests lead to 64 arrests, students clash with police (May 6, 2024)