IRVINE, Calif. – The University of California – Irvine (UCI) has returned to regular operations following a tumultuous period marked by demonstrations and police intervention earlier in the week. In-person classes resumed on Friday after law enforcement officers from multiple neighboring agencies were called in by university officials to address the unrest that erupted on campus.

Campus Return to Normalcy

The decision to resume in-person classes comes after a night of chaos, during which demonstrators breached and barricaded doors to the Physical Sciences Lecture Hall near a pro-Palestinian encampment on the main quad. The incident resulted in the arrest of 47 individuals.

The pro-Palestinian encampment had been established for over two weeks before authorities dismantled it and ordered protesters to vacate the campus. The unrest disrupted regular campus activities, prompting authorities to advise students and staff to avoid the area near the Physical Sciences building and conduct classes remotely on Thursday.

Police Intervention and Arrests

Law enforcement officers were summoned to the campus to restore order and ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. The increased police presence aimed to quell the disturbances that arose from the encampment demonstration.

According to previous coverage, the university clarified that a significant portion of those arrested during the protests were not affiliated with UCI, indicating broader community involvement in the demonstrations.

Organizers’ Demands and Calls for Resignation

The organizers behind the pro-Palestinian demonstrations have continued to advocate for the university to divest funds associated with Israel. Additionally, they are now demanding the resignation of UCI Chancellor Howard Gilman in response to the arrests made on campus.

Student and protest organizer Sarah Khalil expressed dissatisfaction with Chancellor Gilman’s handling of the situation, stating, Howard Gilman would rather see all of us get beaten up by the police, humiliated, treated not as if we’re humans just because we’re standing up against the genocide.

University Response and Resumption of Activities

University officials have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. Classes have resumed, and employees have been instructed to return to work as usual, signaling a return to normalcy on campus.

Conclusion: Moving Forward After Turbulent Times

As UC Irvine navigates through the aftermath of recent unrest, the university community looks towards a period of reconciliation and progress. With classes back in session and operations returning to normal, the focus now shifts towards addressing the underlying concerns raised by demonstrators while upholding the principles of safety, inclusivity, and academic freedom.

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