As universities in California are gearing up for the new academic year, both the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) systems have emphasized a new policy: unauthorized camping on campus is strictly prohibited.
In the first half of this year, instances of protesters camping without permission on various campuses of UC and CSU have raised concerns. The responses from university administrations varied, lacking coordination and delayed handling of the issue, leading to prolonged presence of camps on campuses and discontent among some faculty and students, highlighting a passive approach.
At the end of April, violent clashes erupted at the UC Los Angeles campus between pro-Palestinian student protesters and others, resulting in the arrest of over two hundred individuals. Subsequently, law enforcement dismantled the protest camp. Incidents of violence also occurred at UC Irvine and UC San Diego campuses.
UC President Michael V. Drake stated in a communication to ten university campuses on Monday (19th) that UC is committed to promoting freedom of speech, providing opportunities and spaces for students, faculty, scholars, and staff to share diverse perspectives and beliefs.
He pointed out that while the vast majority of protests on campus are peaceful and non-violent, there have been some instances over the past year that were different. Clear communication and consistent application of policies and laws are keys to maintaining a delicate balance in achieving freedom of speech, protecting community safety, and sustaining university operations.
Drake recommended clearer policy requirements for activities expressing freedom of speech on campus, including the prohibition of camping, unauthorized structures, masking to conceal identity, and refusal to disclose identity when requested by university staff.
He stressed the need to prohibit any actions that restrict campus traffic, such as blocking sidewalks or roads during protests, or denying access to university facilities for anyone on campus. While each school can establish its own policies, these policies must meet certain requirements, including the prohibition of camping.
The CSU system has also adopted a strict policy against on-campus camping. Hazel Kelly, a spokesperson for the CSU system, stated in a release to EdSource that camping on campus is prohibited and violators may face disciplinary action or sanctions. The president and designated officials are responsible for enforcing the ban and taking appropriate actions to prevent camp activities, including explicitly directing violators to cease camping activities immediately.
Kelly believes that these camps are divisive and could create a hostile environment for some community members, emphasizing the obligation to ensure all community members have access to university properties and projects.
Previously, faculty at CSU Los Angeles criticized university leadership for not promptly implementing policies to prohibit illegal camping on campus, resulting in the presence of some camps for several months, disrupting the teaching order.
CSU Dominguez Hills in its regulations appendix mentioned the prohibition of any form of camping, overnight demonstrations, all-night loitering, and the use of camping equipment, including recreational vehicles and tents, without permission. It is also not allowed to bring a large amount of personal items onto campus without authorization, including temporary or permanent structures such as tents, booths, building materials, obstacles, fences, sculptures, barriers, and furniture.
Both university systems in California prohibit demonstrators from restricting freedom of movement. UC prohibits blocking sidewalks, windows, or gates on campus, or refusing access to university facilities for others. CSU’s temporary policy includes: no obstruction or limitation of anyone’s freedom of movement, and the prohibition of blocking streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and so forth.
In response to these regulations, a Chinese student majoring in history at a university in Los Angeles, Zhang Junjie, believes that students have the right and freedom to protest, but no matter the activity, it must not disrupt the university’s normal operations, damage property, or interfere with other students’ classes.
He gave an example, saying, “At Columbia University, many students barged into the building where the chancellor’s office is located, completely disrupting campus order, which is unacceptable.”
“Regardless of the political group, expressing political views in a peaceful, rational, and non-violent manner is not only about respecting others but will also greatly help in promoting one’s political views and influence,” Zhang Junjie hopes that universities can better guide students in this regard.