Police were forced to withdraw from Cal Poly Humboldt following an hours-long standoff with resistant pro-Palestinian students who refuse to back down.
Students continue to occupy Siemens Hall at the university for the 3rd day, inspired by encampments across universities, starting with just 45 community members.
The Cal Poly Humboldt protest is unique in its resistance to arrest, facing off against K-9 units, helicopters, and violent repression but refusing to stand down; just two arrests were carried out despite the police's violent efforts, due to the student resistance.
A number of students, however, were left injured with concussions and cuts due to beatings and police driving a vehicle into a crowd. Yet, the students beat the police back.
The initial group of 45 grew to hundreds outside, as students used desks, chairs, broken doors, and trash cans to reinforce their occupation of Siemens Hall. Supporting protestors outside chanted in soldiarity: "People power! We are stronger!" Hundreds rushed the building and embraced the few dozen student occupiers. The students emerged stronger and with the upper hand.
As the students stated: "It became increasingly apparent that the police were completely unprepared to face down the ferocity and intelligence of the student occupiers."
The university declared a 3 day lockdown, and the students stated: "This is only the beginning."
The occupying students documented lessons. Read more here [
https://crimethinc.com/2024/04/23/report-from-within-the-cal-poly-humboldt-occupation-the-occupation-of-siemens-hall].
1. Out of the quads, into the buildings: Student occupations should take buildings, not open spaces, to wield the most power and stay protected.
2. If you build it, they will come: A small number of students were needed for an occupation. Then, hundreds came to support, impeding police and providing food.
3. The pro-Palestinian movement must be a movement against the police. The IOF and police are the same foot soldiers of empire.
4. Listen! organizer. "We need not wait for the permission of professional activists to set the terms of struggle."
5. Be prepared.