California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, known as Cal Poly Humboldt, was forced to change its upcoming commencement due to anti-Israel protests and unrest on campus that led to agitators occupying two academic buildings. The university announced that a modified in-person commencement ceremony with additional ceremonies will be held, with more details to be provided later in the week. The commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024. Following violent demonstrations, campus has been under a “hard closure” where no one is allowed to walk through the center of campus. However, students with meal plans have access to dining facilities, housing residents are free to leave and return to campus.
Police arrested dozens of anti-Israel agitators at Cal Poly Humboldt after they were forcibly removed from occupying Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East. The arrested individuals face charges of unlawful assembly, vandalism, conspiracy, and assault of police officers. The law enforcement operation to clear and secure the two buildings, as well as the surrounding area, resulted in 35 arrests without incident or any reported injuries. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal commended the school and officers for restoring order on campus after criminal activity put the campus at risk. The sheriff emphasized that criminal and dangerous behavior is unacceptable and restoring order sent a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.
Cal Poly Humboldt President Tom Jackson Jr. expressed sadness and concern over the events that led to the arrests of anti-Israel protestors on campus. He described the day of the arrests as difficult and heartbreaking, noting that nobody wanted to see the situation escalate to the level it did. Despite hopes for a peaceful resolution, criminal activity that posed a serious risk to the campus necessitated law enforcement intervention. Jackson acknowledged the widespread frustration caused by the campus closure but emphasized the need to address threatening behavior and lawlessness that was observed over the past week.
In response to the unrest and protests, Cal Poly Humboldt implemented a hard closure on campus, restricting access through the center and enforcing safety measures. As the campus continued to observe the hard closure, students with meal plans were directed to dining facilities such as The J, College Creek Marketplace, and the Cupboard, while housing residents were free to come and go as needed. The arrests of anti-Israel protestors and the subsequent law enforcement operation were essential in restoring order and bringing safety back to the campus, according to Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal. Recognizing the criminal and dangerous activities that occurred, the sheriff emphasized the importance of addressing such behavior and maintaining a safe environment for students and faculty.
As a result of the anti-Israel protests and unrest on campus, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, had to make changes to its upcoming commencement. The university announced a modified in-person ceremony with additional ceremonies to accommodate the situation and ensure the safety of participants. The arrests of anti-Israel agitators, the implementation of a hard closure on campus, and the law enforcement operation to restore order all reflect the challenges faced by the university and the efforts made to address them. Despite the difficulties and disruptions caused by these events, the school remained committed to upholding safety and security on campus while navigating through the aftermath of the protests and unrest.
