University of California Orders Tighter Controls on Protesters Who Disrupt Campus Activities

Pro-Palestinian students and activsts gather on the plaza in front of Royce Hall at the University of California Los Angeles on April 25, 2024. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

University of California President Michael V. Drake announced Aug. 19 an order to enforce strict guidelines to keep unruly protesters in check across the statewide university system’s 10 campuses, including barring demonstrators from hiding their identities, blocking pathways, and setting up encampments.

In a letter on Monday addressed to the chancellors of each campus, Drake highlighted students’ right to free speech, expression, and assembly. He also said those rights “come with the expectation that these activities shall not disrupt the University’s functions, impede orderly operations, or place community members in reasonable fear for their personal safety or infringe on their civil rights.”

Drake included a list of policy requirements for the 2024 Fall academic term, which comes after months of pro-Palestinian protests erupted across college campuses in California and nationwide, following the Hamas terrorist group’s attack on Israel in October 2023.

New policies specified for campuses such as the University of California (UC) in Los Angeles and Berkeley included prohibitions on protester encampments and unauthorized structures on university property. Drake’s order also said no one could wear a mask to conceal their identity or intimidate another person.

As universities have struggled intermittently with protesters shutting down campus activities, Drake’s order also prohibited demonstrators from blocking pathways on university property.

“I hope that the direction provided in this letter will help you achieve an inclusive and welcoming environment at our campuses that protects and enables free expression while ensuring the safety of all community members by providing greater clarity and consistency in our policies and policy application,” said Drake in the letter.

The president’s letter also addressed possible consequences for students, faculty, or staff who violate institutional policies, saying these rules will be enforced with a tiered system.

Demonstrators will receive a warning upon violation of a campus policy and will be given the opportunity to change their conduct. Several requests may be made, followed by a warning of consequences.

Demonstrators who break the law “may be cited, detained and arrested for unlawful behavior, or subject to other police actions,” according to the letter.

High-severity violations and repeat offenses may be enforced with stay-away orders.

“A tiered response does not mean a slow response but one that fits the situation and the resources to address it,” the letter said.

Students may face educational sanctions, written warnings, disciplinary probation, or suspension for violations of university policy. UC staff may also be subject to suspension without pay, termination, or dismissal.

The new policies are a direct response to the California Legislature’s request in the 2024 Budget Act that the UC president provide a report by Oct. 1 on university efforts to ensure university policy enforcement and safety across all UC campuses. Until the report is submitted, the Legislature is withholding $25 million in state funding.

Drake also sent a letter on Monday to UC employees statewide affirming the university’s commitment to protecting free speech while also providing a safe environment for students and faculty.

“Our ultimate goal is for all of our community members to feel supported in their ability to express themselves, and to pursue their studies, research, patient care, and other work on our campuses,” he said.

Students must be made aware of these policies and consequences for violations by the beginning of the Fall academic term, Drake said, and all UC campuses must include the specified policies on a webpage or in a document.