A Bold Stand for Change: Students Briefly Take Over University Hall
This afternoon, a passionate group of 30 to 40 students and community members at Cal Poly Humboldt took a decisive step, marching onto campus and briefly occupying Siemens Hall. This action, which occurred on Friday, February 20th, was a clear signal of their demands for significant institutional change. But here's where it gets controversial: their focus wasn't just on campus policy, but on global issues and worker solidarity.
The demonstration began with a march from a prominent mural area, proceeding through the campus quad and directly into Siemens Hall. This building is more than just a structure; it's the nerve center of university administration, housing critical offices, including that of University President Richard Carvajal. Imagine walking into the very heart of power, not with a request, but with a clear set of demands.
"We were really screaming all the chants about Free Palestine," shared Pat Kanzler, one of the protesters and a nurse from the community. The group's message was loud and clear as they moved towards the president's office, chanting for approximately 10 minutes, making their presence and their desire for dialogue undeniable. And this is the part most people miss: they weren't just protesting; they were attempting to engage directly with leadership.
While President Carvajal did not emerge, the university's Vice President did step out to speak with the demonstrators. The activists presented three core demands: the university's adoption of a sanctuary campus policy, a commitment to divest from investments tied to Israel, and crucially, support for Teamsters Local 2010 workers in their ongoing wage dispute. These aren't small asks; they represent a call for the university to align its actions with ethical and social justice principles.
Kanzler described the conversation as a back-and-forth, noting that administrators were initially hesitant to make concrete promises. "He kept on saying, Well, I can’t make any promises. I can’t make any promises," she recounted. This cautious response from the administration is precisely what fuels such direct action. Is it a sign of careful deliberation, or a reluctance to acknowledge the urgency of the protesters' concerns?
Kanzler, speaking from her perspective as a nurse and a taxpayer, expressed her deep frustration. "I’m really angry about the fact that our college… is paying money to Israel for genocide. And I’m sick and tired of it," she stated passionately. She emphasized that this sentiment wasn't confined to the student body; the Humboldt County community, described as "very, very leftist," overwhelmingly supports the students' cause. This highlights a growing movement where community members are actively scrutinizing and challenging institutional financial decisions.
Ultimately, the Vice President contacted President Carvajal, and a meeting was scheduled for the following Friday. This outcome, while a step towards dialogue, leaves many questions unanswered. How long did the occupation truly last, and what will be the substance of that crucial meeting?
During the occupation, campus police maintained a presence, observing the situation but choosing not to intervene physically. "They were locked from the outside, so people couldn’t get back in, but we could get out if we really needed to," Kanzler noted, suggesting the building's security measures were more about containment than forceful removal.
This event at Cal Poly Humboldt raises critical questions: When does peaceful protest cross a line? Should universities divest from entities linked to human rights concerns, even if it impacts their financial portfolio? And what is the true power of community solidarity in driving institutional change? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you agree with the protesters' demands, or do you believe there are more constructive ways to achieve these goals? Let's discuss!
