Pro-Palestinian activists at the University of California Berkeley took over a building shortly after reaching an agreement to end their weeks-long encampment. The group, numbering around 30, hung up Palestinian flags and signs reading “Free Gaza” and “Avenge Al Shifa” inside Anna Head Alumnae Hall. They explained that they were occupying the building to show that actions speak louder than words in the fight for a free Palestine.
Despite the agreement to disband the encampment in exchange for a review of investment strategies, the protesters who took over the building were not part of that agreement. The university clarified that divestment from Israel was not permitted, citing concerns about academic freedom and California laws prohibiting boycotts or divestment from Israel.
Similar protests have occurred on campuses across the nation, with some resulting in police intervention or protester arrests. UC Berkeley and other universities have dealt with encampments by either meeting demands, disbanding peacefully, or facing escalated tactics like building takeovers.
