San Diego, California – Following a series of arrests earlier in the day, a gathering of protesters took place near UC San Diego’s Price Center on Monday. The protesters congregated around a bus believed to be used by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department to transport those who had been taken into custody. While the details surrounding the use of pepper spray are still unclear, video footage showed a protester rinsing another individual’s eyes.
The scene unfolded around 10 a.m. with a large group of demonstrators, including individuals waving Palestinian flags. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, clad in riot gear and armed with batons, were present to manage the situation. After the arrests were made, the bus attempted to leave the area with officers creating a buffer zone between the protesters and the vehicle.
According to reports, a total of 64 individuals were arrested, with 40 of them identified as students. The university’s communications department stated that several of the arrested students had been or would be subject to immediate interim suspension. University officials emphasized the need to disperse peacefully, citing safety and security concerns posed by the encampment.
Law enforcement actions took place in the context of broader Palestinian solidarity protests across various university campuses. The UCSDivest Coalition called for divestment from companies associated with the Israeli government and urged the university to issue a statement supporting Palestinian rights. In response to the campus protests, a coalition of San Diego Jewish community leaders expressed concerns over misinformation and antisemitic undertones in the demonstrations.
Classes at UC San Diego were immediately shifted to remote learning as a safety measure, with campus operations suspended in certain areas. The university’s decision to clear the encampment was based on potential hazards to health, fire safety, and security. The situation highlighted ongoing tensions and debates surrounding free speech, protest rights, and geopolitical conflicts on college campuses.
The protests at UC San Diego were part of a broader wave of demonstrations at universities in California and beyond. The actions underscored deep divisions on campus regarding issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the right to free expression. University administrators and law enforcement officials faced complex challenges in balancing public safety concerns with upholding constitutional rights during the protests.