UC Irvine students at a pro-Palestinian encampment were preparing Wednesday morning, May 1, for possible counter-protestors to arrive on campus as a violent clash that occurred overnight at UCLA has raised fears.
“We are getting prepared,” said Sarah Khalil, a student organizer. “We don’t want to be caught by surprise.”
The students are protesting for the university to divest itself from businesses with ties to Israeli and weapon manufacturers and to grant amnesty for demonstrators. They remain determined, organizers said, to stay on campus until the university meets their demands.
By late morning about two dozen people carrying Israeli flags had set up near the Langson Library, more than a quarter mile from the encampment.
University officials have posted a sandwich-board sign near the encampment saying “it is unlawful and violates university policy,” according to photos posted on social media. A university spokesperson confirmed the sign is real and the information had also been handed out to people in the encampment.
“The university is willing to meet with students and discuss the list of demands if the encampment is immediately disbanded and tents are taken down,” the message says. “The university is committed to working with any students to find a suitable place to participate in lawful protest and demonstration.”
Students who voluntarily leave the encampment “will not face discipline,” the sign says, but those employees and students who remain “will face sanctions,” which could mean a suspension and ultimately even dismissal after the person goes through the student conduct process. Those who are not affiliated with the campus were told their presence is a violation of the law to leave the encampment and campus “immediately”
Faculty members Wednesday morning rallied in support of students, with one professor, who did not wish to be identified, saying they cannot let what happened at UCLA occur at UCI. Another faculty member asked to be near the encampment should counter-protestors arrive.
About 30 or so faculty members broke into pro-Palestinian chants to conclude the rally.
It was uneventful throughout Tuesday night at the UCI encampment, now in its third day. Khalil said students there were getting prepared for any possible conflict after seeing what happened at UCLA.
“We are just fighting for the Palestinian people,” Khalil said. “Even though we saw what happened at UCLA, and it looked terrifying, but we won’t be intimidated to back down. Because what we are fighting for is a cause that’s dear to all of us.”
Those preparations include increasing their numbers, getting safety gear, and “know your rights” and safety de-escalation training, Khalil said.
The encampment has not taken up any additional space since Tuesday, remaining solely in a plaza near the Physical Sciences Classroom Building.
UCLA canceled its Wednesday classes, but instruction continues at UCI.
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