Cal Poly Humboldt is transitioning to remote learning and closing its campus in response to ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations that saw protesters occupying Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East.

Campus Closure

Cal Poly Humboldt officials announced the closure of the campus from Friday through May 10, with plans to provide further details about the shutdown.

Escalating Situation

Protesters reportedly attempted to gain entry to multiple locked buildings, leading to instances of vandalism and theft across the campus. University authorities engaged with the demonstrators and addressed their grievances.

Demands and Response

Among the demands made by the pro-Palestinian protesters is for the university to sever all ties with Israeli academic institutions. Cal Poly Humboldt clarified that it does not currently maintain direct ties with Israeli universities. While acknowledging a listing with the University of Haifa, the university emphasized that this opportunity is part of the California State University International Study Abroad program, which is not actively accepting students.

Furthermore, the university asserted that it does not invest its endowments directly in defense companies or securities issued by Israeli firms.

Solidarity Across Universities

The closure of Cal Poly Humboldt adds to a growing list of universities witnessing demonstrations calling for a cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Similar protests have occurred at various institutions across the United States, including UC Berkeley, Emory University, New York University, Columbia University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California, UCLA, and George Washington University.

Nationwide Impact

These demonstrations have led to numerous arrests and disciplinary actions, with incidents such as the arrest of over 100 protesters at Columbia University and the suspension of several individuals, including the daughter of U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar.

Call for Peaceful Resolution

As tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict continue to manifest on college campuses across the United States, universities are grappling with the challenge of maintaining campus safety while upholding principles of free expression. The closure of Cal Poly Humboldt underscores the broader impact of these demonstrations and the urgent need for dialogue and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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