California university moves classes online after demonstrations over conflict in Gaza
America
By
Xinhua
| Jun 14, 2024
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), in the western U.S. state of California, announced on Thursday that all classes and operations on the university's main campus will be held remotely until further notice after a night of demonstrations over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
"Please do not come to main campus," the Los Angeles school noted in a protest action alert on its website.
A group of pro-Palestinian protesters took over the university's student services building, which includes the office of the university's president, on Wednesday afternoon. Some school administrators were reportedly trapped inside the building after the university urged employees to shelter in place.
READ MORE
KCAA clarifies new Wilson Airport flight procedures
Kakamega clinical officers strike to demand implementation of CBA
Parliament passes public participation bill
What the passage of Public Participation Bill means to Kenyans
School heads to answer to ministry in proposed law
Governors hail performance but there is lots of ground to cover
Kisumu, Nairobi among worst users of development funds
Lecturers shock as PSC slashes university dons' retirement age by up to 15 years
KNEC to clear all 2025 exam dues by August 6
Government roots Kenya's AI ambitions in industry-led digital skills
Social media posts showed protesters fortifying their barricades outside the building at night as they waited for President of Cal State LA Berenecea Johnson Eanes to negotiate with them.
By Thursday morning, the group had dispersed from the building, but they left behind significant damage outside and inside the building, reported local KABC television station, adding that pro-Palestinian graffiti covered many windows on the ground floor, and video from inside showed shattered windows, more graffiti and debris scattered throughout.
The protest came two days after 25 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Monday by police at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Students set up a "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" at Cal State LA on May 1, calling for the university and its partners to divest from doing business with Israel.
With 23 campuses enrolling almost 458,000 students and 53,000 faculty and staff, California State University is the largest public university system in the United States. It is one of three public higher education systems in California, which also includes the University of California and the California Community Colleges, according to the university's website.