Emergency

As part of an ongoing and urgent effort to protect life and safety in the ongoing crisis of occupied buildings, Cal Poly Humboldt is offering any of those currently in the buildings the opportunity to leave with a guarantee of no immediate arrest. This does not, however, eliminate University conduct-related sanctions or legal implications.

Those who walk out peacefully by the deadline will not be immediately arrested and will be able to leave campus without being arrested. In addition, voluntarily departing in this way will be considered as a mitigating factor in University conduct processes and may reduce the severity of sanctions imposed.

This offer is open until 4 p.m., Friday, April 26.

The offer applies to both students and non-students who are currently occupying buildings and illegally camping around them.

The individuals inside the buildings were told about this opportunity earlier today. They are also being notified by email and other communications channels.

A number of individuals have continued to occupy Siemens Hall since Monday, and have made efforts to occupy other buildings on campus. While the situation is largely stabilized, there is continuing destruction of property and other lawlessness in the central part of campus. This has caused complex operational challenges that require the closure of other facilities on campus. The occupation is having a negative impact on other students, who are trying to complete classes at the end of the semester

The Cal Poly Humboldt campus is closed through the remainder of the semester, and work and instruction continue to be remote. 

Ongoing updates are available at humboldt.edu/emergency.

Campus is now closed through May 10, and work and academic instruction will be remote as individuals continue to occupy Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East. More details to follow about campus operations and remote work.

The occupation of Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East is causing ongoing inability to open other campus facilities. Since Monday night, protestors have attempted several times to break into multiple locked buildings with the intention of either locking themselves in, vandalizing, or stealing equipment. Vandalism and theft have continued across campus.

The following was shared yesterday during a conversation with student protestors.

This is an initial response intending to make a good faith effort to respond, and is meant to lead to additional dialogue.

_________

The Cal Poly Humboldt pro-Palestine protests have elevated a remarkable number of important questions, opened a space for difficult, meaningful conversations, and also raised concerns about what principles of the community we bring into spaces of disagreement. Even in the midst of this challenging period for our community, we remain firmly rooted in our University’s purpose: to provide the highest quality and affordable college education built on the contributions of diverse students, staff, and faculty who are committed to a just and sustainable world. 

We write today in this spirit, while also reasserting our responsibility for civil discourse and fact-based debate. In particular, we would like to provide context and feedback to the stated demands of the protesters. They have asked the campus to:

1. Disclose all holdings and collaborations with Israel. 

It is important to highlight that Cal Poly Humboldt is among the higher education leaders in environmentally and socially responsible investing. In 2014, with extensive student involvement, an investment strategy focused on reducing investments in the fossil fuel industry and in tracking investments in socially concerning sectors was adopted. Last year, again with student involvement and assistance, a new policy focused on Environmentally & Socially Responsible (ESR) investing was adopted. This policy takes a “positive investment” approach to select funds with strong environmental, social, and governance practices, and again puts Humboldt at the leading edge of responsible investing within higher education. 

The investments in the University’s endowment does not include any direct investment in defense companies or any securities issued by Israeli companies or organizations, or to defense firms. In fact, because of the relatively small size of the endowment, the investment strategy does not include direct investment in any specific companies or securities. Instead, the portion of the investment in securities is in mutual funds, which are bundles of many securities that reflect the portfolios of numerous different investment managers. 

So any holdings of the securities in question would represent indirect investment. Our estimates put the potential indirect investment in the areas that are asked about at less than 1% of the investment portfolio of more than $51 million. Of this, our estimate of potential defense investment is less than 0.5% of the entire portfolio, though that can fluctuate over time. This estimate is probably high as these companies do not produce weaponry but rather components of various industrial products (like wind turbines and aviation parts). The portion of the indirect investment in Israeli companies or organizations is likewise less than 0.5%, and can fluctuate over time. These securities, which again are bundled in different mutual funds, are software companies and banks, and there is also less than 0.1% in bonds. Any of these holdings could be sold by the fund manager at any time. 

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the investment policies in the future.

2. Cut all ties with Israeli universities.

Cal Poly Humboldt has a commitment to global engagement. While we have no current ties with Israeli Universities, we are open to connecting with universities across the world in an effort to build connections and expand understanding. The Cal Poly Humboldt catalog listing for a study abroad program with the University of Haifa in Haifa, Israel is a California State University International Study Abroad (CSU IP) program, not a Cal Poly Humboldt program. The CSU IP Haifa program is not currently enrolling students. Current Bilateral Exchange Programs with Cal Poly Humboldt are listed online.

Information about agreements with other universities is also available on campus websites or with an email to the Dean of Extended Education & Global Engagement. We encourage our students to speak and engage with faculty as well as campus administrators. Our doors are always open to our students.

3. Divest from companies and corporations complicit in the occupation of Palestine: 

Please see the investment information in #1. We do not have a way of measuring the specific language included in this request.

4. Drop charges against and halt the harassment of student organizers by law enforcement. 

University policy and conduct violations will follow established procedures, and there will be consequences for actions that violate policy or law. However, students who elect to evacuate the building and support efforts to clear the building will have their actions considered as a mitigating factor within those processes.

5. University to publicly call for a ceasefire and end to the occupation of Palestine.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to social justice and the Graduation Pledge to guide everyone’s social and environmental consequences of their decisions. We are supportive of a peaceful and just world which affords the opportunity for all human beings to flourish and achieve their potential.

6. “We want the university to either amend or remove the time, manner or place clause [of its free expression policy] which allows them to call the police on students for organizing in ways that they deem inappropriate.” (Link)

The University's Time, Place and Manner (TPM) policy exists to protect the rights of the entire campus community to a secure environment that is conducive to the pursuit of knowledge, freedom of inquiry, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The policy is content-neutral in its approach to speech and assembly, protecting our freedoms while also ensuring that the rights of the rest of the campus community to a safe and secure environment are protected. Part of protecting our rights is protecting the health and safety of persons, and the security of property, for which uniformed police officers may be required. 

Protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East at Cal Poly Humboldt. Campus will now be closed through Sunday, April 28, and work and instruction continue to be remote. The University is making various contingency plans, including possibly keeping campus closed beyond that.

The occupation of Siemens Hall causes complex operational challenges that require the closure of other facilities on campus. In particular, there is a risk of other buildings being occupied, as protestors have shown a willingness to enter unlocked buildings and either lock themselves in, vandalize, or steal equipment. The occupation is also having a negative impact on other students, who are trying to complete classes at the end of the semester.

Numerous laws have been broken, including resisting arrest, destroying and damaging property, criminal trespass, and more. 

As protestors have been told, the continued occupation of the building is causing the ongoing closure of other campus facilities. Upcoming activities and events are being canceled, while other important events such as IdeaFest are in question.

Academics

• Classes: In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible through Sunday, April 28. Instructors are posting course updates on Canvas. 

• Off-campus academic activities: Buses will not be transporting students to field trips, but any activities such as academic internships or field placements that can be conducted safely off campus can continue

   

Employees (Staff, Faculty, and Students)

• Remote work: Those who are able to work remotely will continue to do so. Contact your supervisor for alternative work options. Your supervisor will contact you if you need to report to campus for work. More details to follow about employee and student pay. 
   
• Computer pickup: Information Technology Services is working on a process for essential computer pickup to facilitate remote work only. More details to follow. 
   
• Paychecks: The Cashier’s Office will be operating within The Campus Store on Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Campus Store is located at 697 8th St., Arcata. During these hours students and staff will be able to:
  • Pick up paychecks 
  • Pick up financial aid checks
  • Pick up cash advance checks

Campus Services and Resources: Limited services continue to be available to all students. 

• Housing and dining: Students living on campus are safe and the residence halls are operating normally. The J, the College Creek Marketplace, and the Cupboard are all open during normal hours. Dining hours of operation
   
• Health and counseling services: 
  • Students: Student Health & Wellbeing Services is open for in-person medical and counseling appointments during regular operating hours at the SHWS. Student Health & Wellbeing Services appointment info and hours of operation. Timely Care is available 24/7 for on demand and scheduled medical and counseling services through telehealth.
  • Employees: Staff or faculty seeking additional support may utilize the Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters, offered through Empathia 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
     
• The Children’s Center is open.
   

Events

• The University is working to relocate athletics events and activities. Coaches will share information with athletes. 
• All other on-campus events have been canceled through Sunday, April 28. If you had catering services scheduled for your event, all services will be canceled with no fees applied. 
• The University is moving forward with plans for Commencement ceremonies and activities for our students next month.
• Off-campus events are still scheduled.

The following was shared with news media

ARCATA, California — Protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall, plus another building at Cal Poly Humboldt. Campus will now be closed through the weekend, and work and instruction continue to be remote. The University is making various contingency plans, including possibly keeping campus closed beyond that. 

The safety, health, and wellbeing of our students is paramount as the situation has become increasingly complex. There are unidentified non-students with unknown intentions, in Siemens Hall. This creates an unpredictable environment. In addition, all entrances to the building are barricaded, creating a fire hazard. Adding to health and safety concerns, many toilets are no longer working.

The occupation of Siemens Hall causes complex operational challenges that require the closure of other facilities on campus. In particular, there is a risk of other buildings being occupied, as protestors have shown a willingness to enter unlocked buildings and either lock themselves in or steal equipment. The occupation is also having a negative impact on other students, who are trying to complete classes at the end of the semester.

Campus officials are communicating with protestors and continuing to encourage them to leave as soon as possible. 

As protestors have been told, the continued occupation of the building is causing the ongoing closure of other campus facilities. Upcoming activities and events are being canceled, while other important events such as IdeaFest are in question.

In recent days, hateful graffiti has been painted on university property. The University condemns in the strongest terms all forms of hatred, bigotry, and violence. Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, hatred, and bigotry in all forms have no place at Cal Poly Humboldt. The University is actively offering support to all students and has been in touch with local Jewish community leaders.

The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive. That does not include behavior that involves destroying and damaging property, and disrupting students, faculty, and staff from learning, teaching, and working. Everyone deserves to be in an environment where everyone can feel safe, included, and respected. 

Numerous laws have been broken, including resisting arrest, destroying and damaging property, criminal trespass, and more.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies are providing additional resources and support.

Dozens of protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall and have barricaded themselves in the building by blocking entrances with furniture, creating safety hazards. 

The campus community and families of students are understandably concerned. Campus officials continue to encourage protestors to cooperate and remain open to dialogue around a peaceful resolution to the situation. 

Significant world events and crises often hit close to home for members of our campus and local communities. The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive, but will not tolerate endangering people, destroying property, and disrupting campus. 

As a community, we are committed to keeping our students, staff, and faculty safe and fostering a learning and working environment where the campus community can feel safe, included, and respected. 

Check humboldt.edu/emergency for updates. Details on the campus closure are below.

Remote Work, Instruction, and Campus Operations

The campus remains closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community. Buildings are locked down and key cards won’t work. 

Academics

• Classes: In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible through Wed., April 24. Instructors are posting course updates online. 
• Off-campus academic activities: Buses will not be transporting students to field trips, but any activities such as academic internships or field placements that can be conducted safely off campus can continue.

Employees

• Remote Work: Those who are able to work remotely will continue to do so. Contact your supervisor for alternative work options. Your supervisor will contact you if you need to report to campus for work. 

Campus Services: Limited services will be available to all students. 

• Housing and dining: Students living on campus are safe and the residence halls are operating normally. The J Dining Hall will be open until 9 p.m. and will continue normal hours of operation. The College Creek Marketplace will open at 4 p.m. today until 9 p.m. tonight. The Cupboard is open normal hours, 5 p.m. to midnight. Dining hours of operation
   
• Health and counseling services: Timely Care is currently available to students and Student Health & Wellbeing Services will reopen for in-person medical and counseling appointments starting Wednesday morning for regular operating hours. Student Health & Wellbeing Services appointment info and hours of operation

Events

• The University is working to relocate athletics events and activities. Coaches will share information with athletes. 
• All other on-campus events have been canceled through Wed., April 24. 
• The University is moving forward with Commencement ceremonies and activities for our students next month.

The following was shared with news media

Protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall, an academic and administrative building on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt.

Three protesters were arrested overnight stemming from the occupation and confrontation with law enforcement both inside and outside the building. 

Dozens of protestors remain inside Siemens Hall. Through the evening, they barricaded every entrance to the building with furniture, creating a hazardous situation for protestors inside. 

An unknown number of students have occupied another building in the area.

The University is concerned about the safety of the students who remain in the building, and has been asking the students to remain open to dialogue around a peaceful resolution. 

The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive. There are many avenues and options to express views that don't involve disrupting operations and vandalizing campus, which interferes with the campus community's rights to a safe and peaceful environment. 

University police continue to closely monitor an evolving situation. The University has had strategic meetings with law enforcement and fire officials about the health and safety of those barricading themselves inside the building.

The campus community is advised to avoid the area of the building.

On Monday night, the University announced that the campus will be closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community. Buildings are locked down and limited campus services, such as Dining, are available.

At 4:50 p.m., University Police received reports of dozens of protesters occupying the first and second floors of Siemens Hall.

Classes in Siemens Hall were canceled. Students and faculty of five courses that were in progress and employees inside were evacuated. The building was shut down after protesters began disrupting classes and University operations, and vandalizing University property.

They blocked entrances and elevators with tents and at one point shut doors using chains and zip ties at various locations, violating fire codes and creating extreme safety hazards for those inside. Protestors were given multiple warnings and opportunities to exit the building voluntarily.

Those who are able to work remotely have been directed to continue to do so. In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible. Instructors are posting course updates online. 

Campus Closed, Remote Instruction and Work

The campus will continue to be closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community as protestors continue occupying Siemens Hall. Buildings are locked down and key cards will not work. 

Those who are able to work remotely will continue to do so. Contact your supervisor for alternative work options. Your supervisor will contact you if you need to report to campus for work.

In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible. Instructors should post course updates on Canvas. 

Please check humboldt.edu/emergency for updates.

Campus is closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community as protestors continue occupying Siemens Hall. 

The campus community is advised to avoid the area of the building, as it is a dangerous and volatile situation.

The University is deeply concerned about the safety of the protestors who have barricaded themselves inside the building. The University is urgently asking that the protestors listen to directives from law enforcement that have responded and to peacefully leave the building.

In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible. Check in with your instructor or supervisor for next steps.

Please check humboldt.edu/emergency for updates.