UC and CSU systems issue stricter policies for camps and protests
Camping on University of California and California State University campuses is not permitted, and officials plan to crack down on it. KTVU’s James Torrez reports.
School is starting again in the Bay Area, including for students at the University of California, Berkeley.
UC Berkeley welcomes new freshmen on the first day of move-in week. The university expects more than 8,600 students to move into dorms by the end of the week.
“I’m excited,” said freshman Gabriella Princiotta, who plans to study neuroscience. “I was born up here and I’m excited to be back home.”
“The Bay Area is incredible, I think I picked a good place,” said Lander Marak, a freshman on a scholarship to compete in the hammer throw.
These freshmen were just graduating from high school when pro-Palestinian protests took over college campuses across the country.
In California, there were clashes between students and police at UC Santa Cruz, fights between protesters with different messages at UCLA, and students at Cal State Humboldt locked themselves in buildings for days.
“I have seen camps set up on many college campuses across the United States,” Marak said.
These camps on the campuses of the University of California and California State University are not permitted and those in charge plan to crack down on them.
In addition, demonstrations must not prevent students from entering school grounds or classrooms, and students are not permitted to wear masks to conceal their faces. Protesters must also disclose their identities if asked by school personnel.
These instructions came directly and independently from the UC president and the CSU chancellor. The UC Berkeley chancellor posted a video on YouTube explaining the changes.
“I have received new guidance from the UC Office of the President regarding campus activism,” said Chancellor Rich Lyons. “The bottom line for me is that the guidance is consistent with our existing practices and our core values.”
According to updates to the two California college systems’ time, manner and place policies, students’ rights to free speech and protest will continue to be upheld, but the colleges’ priority is that all students have a right to safe learning.
“The CSU also has an obligation to ensure that all members of the community have access to university property and programs without disruption, in accordance with the highest standards of institutional integrity,” a CSU spokesperson said in a statement.
“We strive to promote free expression, and we provide countless opportunities and platforms for our students, faculty, other academics, and staff to safely and lawfully share their diverse views and beliefs. While the vast majority of protests on our campuses are peaceful and nonviolent, some of the activities we have seen over the past year have not been,” wrote UC President Michael Drake.
“Let the people speak,” said Marak.
“Whatever the school decides, I think it is the best thing for the school,” Princiotta said.
“I think everyone should have freedom of speech and the opportunity to say what they think,” says first-year student Ariana Villanueva. “But of course without violence or vandalism.”
