Eight protesters arrested at UC Santa Cruz, university says
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV)- A spokesperson with the University of California, Santa Cruz said that eight protesters were arrested on Monday night.
The university said that four people entered a locked university building that is permanently closed because of seismic and other building code deficiencies.
A spokesperson said that four of the eight are facing an additional charge of refusing a directive to disperse.
University officials said that they prevented protesters from re-building encampments on campus on Monday. People on bikes dumped paint on the intersection of Bay and High Streets.
"We are deeply disappointed to see demonstrators trying to create more disruptions that will unnecessarily get in the way of our mission to teach students, conduct research, and ultimately serve California. These actions are a drain on university resources and additional work for employees who would otherwise be focused on moving the campus forward."
UC Santa Cruz said in a statement
UC Santa Cruz said that protesters tried to disrupt operations at teaching and research buildings and interrupted an event honoring students.
At least over 80 Pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested by multiple law enforcement agencies on June 2 after blocking one of the main entrances into campuses on May 31.
Protesters have been picketing since May 1 wanting the university to divest from Israeli institutions in lieu of the war in Gaza.
