Cal State LA President Held in Office by Pro-Palestinian Protesters

TL/DR –

Pro-Palestinian protesters have barricaded a building at Cal State Los Angeles, causing the campus president to shelter in her office. The protesters have piled up furniture and removed copy machines from the building to reinforce the barricade, while also covering windows with pro-Palestinian graffiti. The university is referring to the situation as “unauthorized protest activity,” and the LAPD has stated they have not been asked to intervene.

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Barricade Cal State Los Angeles Building

Pro-Palestinian protesters have staged a barricade inside a building at Cal State Los Angeles. Campus President Berenecea Johnson Eanes is believed to be sheltered in place within her office. The protesters had previously set up encampments elsewhere on campus. On Wednesday, a group separated and began creating blockades with furniture, golf carts, and tables at the Student Services Building and surrounding plaza.

Items like copy machines and furniture were removed from the building to strengthen the barricade. Berenecea Johnson Eanes, who assumed the role of Campus President in January, has her office on the eighth floor of the building.

Employees in the Student Services Building were directed to shelter in place. Others on campus were told to evacuate. This pro-Palestinian encampment at CSULA has been linked to vandalism and anti-Semitic graffiti.

Non-protesting students at CSULA have expressed concerns about campus access being blocked by the encampment, as well as its links to vandalism and graffiti.

By late afternoon, much of the campus beyond the Student Services Building appeared deserted. Less than a dozen employees remained in the building. Campus spokesperson Erik Hollins confirmed their presence but did not comment on whether Eanes was among them.

Protesters, many with covered faces, were stationed at the building’s entrance. Pro-Palestinian graffiti was visible on many ground floor windows and some upper floor windows, seemingly painted from inside. The LAPD stated they have not been asked to intervene, and the school has labeled the group’s actions as “unauthorized protest activity.”

Signs indicate the protesters are prepared for a lengthy stay, with supplies such as food and diapers being brought into the building.

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