UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (2024)

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7:46 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests

From CNN’s Cheri Mossburg and Cindy Von Quednow

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (1)

Local law enforcement officials have arrived on the University of California Irvine campus after being called to assist campus police, officials said.

Campus officers are joined by city of Irvine police at the pro-Palestinian protest in the school’s physical sciences plaza, according to university spokesman Tom Vasich.

The Orange County Sheriff was asked to send additional personnel to assist, department Sgt. Matthew Parrish told CNN.

Vasich estimates there are about 100 protesters in the area, including some not affiliated with the university. About 10 tents have been erected in violation of university policy, he said. The sheriff’s department was called in for support only, he added.

Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan issued a statement “preemptively condemning” any police action that might violate the First Amendment rights of the protesters.

“I am asking our law enforcement to stand down. I will not tolerate any violations to our students' rights to peacefully assemble and protest,” said Khan.

9:03 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

About a dozen protesters remain outside the main gates of Columbia University

From CNN’s Miguel Marquez

About a dozen protesters remain outside the main gates of Columbia University on 116thStreet and Broadway in New York.

The protesters are no longer chanting but are milling around in the pens outside the gates.

At its peak, CNN witnessed at least 60 protesters gathered outside the gates, chanting and holding signs.

9:03 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Columbia University student flies large Israeli flag above pro-Palestinian protesters on campus

From CNN’s Omar Jimenez at Columbia University

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (2)

A Columbia University student said he flew a large Israeli flag above pro-Palestinian protests on campus Monday to show that Jewish students will not be intimidated by those marching on campus today.

“I don’t stand for discrimination and harassment against Jewish students,” said David Lederer, who is studying financial engineering, adding that Jewish students can be on campus, too.
“They chant we don’t want no Zionists here, well I’m here,” the 22-year-old told CNN.

Lederer, who flew the flag about two hours after the 2 p.m. ET deadline set by the administration to clear the encampment, previouslytold CNN in an interviewthat he and his brother were harassed and assaulted on campus by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Pro-Palestinian protesters voted to defy the campus order to vacate and stay in the encampment.

5:35 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Columbia University says it's begun suspending students who refused to vacate encampment

From CNN's Eva Rothenberg

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (3)

Columbia University has begun suspending student protesters who refused to vacate the on-campus encampment by the 2 p.m. ET deadline set by the administration.

These students will not be eligible to complete the semester or graduate and won't be allowed in university housing and academic buildings, the New York-based university said.

"Once disciplinary action is initiated, adjudication is handled by several different units within the universitybased on the nature of the offense," Vice President of Public Affairs BenChangsaid during a briefing Monday evening.

The two bodies overseeing this disciplinary process are the Office of University Life and the university's senate, a policy-making group that represents students and faculty.

"Decisions made by the Office of University Life can be appealed to the dean of the student's school," said Chang. "Decisions made by the senate can be appealed to a panel of deans and, ultimately, the university's president."

Chang added that the university asked student protesters to remove the encampment, in part, to make sure that the university's commencement ceremony for its 15,000 graduates can continue as planned.

The students at Columbia,the epicenter of the weeklong pro-Palestinian protests, had earlier voted to defy the order and stay.

The post was updated with more details from Monday's news briefing.

9:03 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Northwestern says agreement reached with students on limiting the scope of protests

From CNN's Virginia Langmaid

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (4)

Northwestern University on Monday announced an agreement with student demonstrators to limit the scope of the campus protest and end the encampment at Deering Meadow, the schoolsaid in a news release.

Through negotiations with “a group of students and faculty who represent the majority of the protesters on Deering Meadow,” both parties agreed to limit the scope of the protest, while granting some of the organizers' requests for transparency and free speech protections.

According to the agreement, protesters will be allowed at the site through the end of spring classes — on June 1 — as long as the scope is reduced to one aid tent, sound amplifiers are within university policy and participants are limited to those affiliated with the university.

“All other tents must be removed,” according to theagreement.

The University will also be reconvening its Advisory Committee on Investment and Responsibility in the fall, and in the agreement committed to additional transparency regarding specific investment holdings. Additionally, the University announced it will commit to supporting Palestinian faculty and students, including fully funding the cost of attendance for five Palestinian students and constructing a community space for Middle Eastern and North African/Muslim students.

In a series of Instagram posts, the Northwestern Divestment Coalition, which was involved in establishing the encampment, called the agreement a “first step” toward divestment, saying it was approved by elected representatives in a 17-1 vote. The coalition represents student groups including NU Students for Justice in Palestine and NU Jewish Voice for Peace.

Monday marked the fifth day of the encampment at Northwestern. Counter-protesters and police were present at the encampment sporadically, and the atmosphere remained peaceful and nonviolent over the weekend.

5:06 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Most of the UT-Austin protesters arrested are not believed to be affiliated with the university, school says

From CNN’sAshley Killough

Several protesters have been arrested at UT-Austin Monday, most of whom are not believed to be affiliated with the university, school officials said in a statement.

“After protesters ignored repeated directives from both the administration and law enforcement officers to comply with Institutional Rules and remove tents assembled on the University’s South Lawn, then physically engaged with and verbally assaulted Dean of Students staff who attempted to confiscate them, UT and partner law enforcement agencies dismantled an encampment and arrested several protesters,” university officials said in a statement. “Baseball size rocks were found strategically placed within the encampment.”

Over the weekend, the university received “extensive online threats” from a group that organized Monday’s demonstrations, officials said in the statement.

The statement added that the threats were reported to local, state and federal law enforcement officials without elaborating.

“The University will continue to support the free speech and assembly rights of our community while also enforcing its Institutional Rules,” the statement read.

9:03 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Here’s the latest on the protests at major US universities

From CNN staff

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (5)

Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses have entered their second week – just as many universities prepare for graduation ceremonies in the coming weeks.

Hundreds of students have been arrested by law enforcement on various campuses.

Acentral demandof protesters is for universities to divest from Israel-linked companies that they say are profiting from the war in Gaza..

Here's what you should know:

More arrests and warnings:

  • Students at Columbia University voted to remain at their encampment after university leadership gave protesters a 2 p.m. ET deadline to vacate or face suspension.
  • Texas State Police in riot gear arrested at least six people at the University of Texas at Austin Monday afternoon.
  • Officers arrested over 90 people, including 54 students, at a protest encampment on the lawn at Virginia Tech's Graduate Life Center, according to the school. The demonstration began on Friday and progressed over the weekend.
  • Several arrests were made on the University of Georgia campus in Athens after protesters began putting up tents and a barricade on the quad, according to the university.

Divestment negotiations:

  • The University of Pennsylvania put "Notice of Trespass" signs surrounding the on-campus encampment Monday morning after negotiations between protest organizers and university leaders over divestment broke down over the weekend.
  • Brown University said it will hear a group of students and faculty members’ “arguments for divestment” in May if the campus’ encampment "is peacefully brought to an end within the next few days and is not replaced with any other encampments or unauthorized protest activity.”

Schools weigh graduation ceremonies:

  • A pair of speakers set to address master's and doctorate graduates of the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education have withdrawn citing the school’s dealings with war protesters and cancellation of valedictorianAsna Tabassum’scommencement speech.
  • Columbia University said it wants “to reassure our community who are trying to make plans that we will indeed hold acommencement.
3:40 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

White House won't say if campus protesters should face disciplinary action

From CNN's DJ Judd and Haley Talbot

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (6)

The White House declined to say if President Joe Biden believes that demonstrators who’ve camped out on college campuses across the country to protest against the war in Gaza should face disciplinary actions, repeating the president’s support for the right to peacefully protest while criticizing antisemitic rhetoric and calls for violence.

“These are institutions – some of them are private, some of them are public – and it is up to their leadership, university leadership and colleges, to make that decision,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday.

The press secretary acknowledged what she called “a painful moment” as the civilian toll in Gaza continues to rise, adding, “We get that it is a painful moment that Americans are dealing with, and free expression has to be done within the law.”

However, House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated he would consider pulling federal funding to college campuses roiled by protests.

“We're looking at very seriously reducing or eliminating any federal funds at all to campuses who cannot maintain basic safety and security of Jewish students,” the Republican lawmaker said in an interview Friday withSalem news program “This Week on the Hill.”

Johnson visited Columbia University last week to meet with Jewish students and delivered remarks with other Republican lawmakers. When Johnson and the GOP lawmakers walked up to begin speaking, there were loud boos from protesters.

“It is unruly; they are allowing mob rule on some of these campuses, and Columbia University was a case in point,” he said.

4:08 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Columbia student protesters: "We will not be moved by these intimidation tactics"

From CNN's RamishahMarufandJohnTowfighi

Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a student protest group, denounced what it called the university administration's "attempts to stifle the student movement." The group said protesters will not be moved except by force, as negotiations with leadership remain "off the table."

In a news conference Monday, student Sueda Polatsaid that university delegates issued disciplinary notices to protesters, alerting students they have two choices.

Students could sign a form and be put, "on academic probation on the condition that they abide by all university rules until June 30, 2025. Or until their graduation, whichever comes first," Polat said."Or, the students would be interim suspended."

Polat added that suspension would mean that these student protesters lose their housing and healthcare access, as well as losing their right to graduation if they are in their final year.

Palot also said members of the university's leadership confirmed that a state of emergency from the university was threatened.

In a statement to CNN, ColumbiaPublic Affairs said: "The rumorofa 'stateofemergency' at Columbia University is a fabrication and totally false.There is nostateofemergency."

UC Irvine calls in local law enforcement to assist campus police with protests (2024)

FAQs

What are they protesting at UC Irvine? ›

The demonstration at Irvine, about 40 miles (65 km) south of Los Angeles, is the latest in a series of campus protests across the United States over the war in Gaza in which activists have called for a ceasefire and the protection of civilian lives while demanding universities divest from Israeli interests.

Why are students protesting at UC? ›

Last Thursday, several hundred UCLA members of the UAW 4811 held a rally in support of their impending strike. Moments later, they joined a student-led protest demanding that the UC call for a ceasefire and divest from weapons manufacturers and the Israeli economy.

Are the police on UC Irvine campus after anti Israel agitators swarm buildings? ›

Police stand in front of anti-Israel agitators at the University of California, Irvine, on Wednesday. Footage from the campus showed law enforcement, dressed in protest gear and holding batons, clashing with anti-Israel agitators. The protesters were seen holding umbrellas and chanting, "free, free Palestine."

Who is the chief of police in UC Irvine? ›

Elizabeth Griffin - Chief Of Police - University of California, Irvine - Police | LinkedIn.

What is the reputation of UC Irvine? ›

University of California, Irvine Rankings

University of California, Irvine is ranked #33 out of 439 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

What famous person went to UC Irvine? ›

UC Irvine - Richard Ford, Pulitzer Prize-winning author; Greg Louganis, Olympic gold medalist in diving; Wright Massey, businessman; Paula Tomei, managing director of South Coast Repertory; David Benioff, screenwriter and producer.

What percent of UC students are out of state? ›

The number of non-resident students has declined at most UC campuses, ticking down from 17.7% to 16.3% systemwide over the past two years. Increasing pressure from the Legislature led the state to create a plan in the Budget Act of 2021 to increase the enrollment of Californians in the UC system over five years.

Why is the UCLA protest unlawful? ›

In the past few days, UC Irvine and UCLA declared their campus encampment protests illegal and in violation of the state education code against non-UC use of university property. Many pro-Palestinian student advocates see this position as an attempt to disrupt their advocacy.

How many UC Berkeley students are homeless? ›

Basic needs insecurity, the lack of resources for necessities that support well-being, has pervaded U.S. universities for decades. Berkeley is no exception, where 39 percent of undergraduates report food insecurity, and 10 percent of undergraduate and graduate students report homelessness.

What is the acceptance rate of UC Irvine? ›

The acceptance rate at UC Irvine is 21.3%.

For every 100 applicants, 21 are admitted. This means the school is very selective. If you meet UC Irvine's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in.

What two groups are fighting over land in Israel? ›

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is an ongoing military and political conflict about land and self-determination within the territory of the former Mandatory Palestine.

What are the special police in Israel? ›

The Yamam (acronym for Special Police Unit) is the police's counter-terrorism and hostage rescue unit.

Does Irvine have its own Police department? ›

Working "in partnership with the community" the Irvine Police Department patrols approximately 70 square miles and is rapidly growing, providing service to over 280,000 persons.

Who is Kent in the Irvine Police Chief? ›

MICHAEL KENT

He has been with IPD since 2002 and is the first Irvine Police Chief to grow up in Irvine and rise through the ranks from police explorer to Chief. Chief Kent joined IPD's Police Explorer program in 1993, while attending Woodbridge High School. He became a sworn police officer in 2002.

Why are UC academic workers striking? ›

The union called the strike, alleging that UC violated members' free speech rights when it cracked down on the pro-Palestinian protests and encampments. The union said UC endangered union members' well-being and unilaterally changed working conditions.

What was the UC Irvine Fertility controversy of 1995? ›

UC Irvine fertility scandal. In 1995, the Orange County Register broke the story that Asch—then Chief of the University of California, Irvine's Center for Reproductive Health—and his two partners were accused of transferring women's eggs harvested from women into other patients without their permission.

When did the UCI protest start? ›

Pro-Palestinian protesters have been present on the UC Irvine campus since establishing an encampment on April 29, according to the university.

What is UC Irvine looking for? ›

Quality of academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available at your high school. Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.

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