The University of California is set to strictly enforce its ban on encampments, pathway blocking, and identity-shielding masks across its 10 campuses henceforth.
University President Michael Drake Monday said free speech should not impede "orderly operations" and community members' personal safety or civil rights.
The recent wave of student encampments on university campuses crossed the line from peaceful protest to disruptive and dangerous behavior. These actions go beyond protected free speech, with incidents of violence against Jewish students, property damage, and obstruction of public spaces. Such encampments intimidate others, disrupt campus life, and violate university policies and local laws. Allowing these to continue undermines the educational environment and fails to prepare students for real-world responsibilities.
The "Free Palestine" campus encampments, earlier this year, demonstrated the power of collective action and community building. They created a microcosm of an abolitionist world, complete with essential services like healthcare, security, and education. The encampment fostered a deeply democratic environment, solving complex problems through collaboration and inclusivity. They proved that sustained, peaceful resistance can raise awareness and build community even in the face of broader political obstacles.