Several people were assaulted at Cal State Los Angeles as a barricade was formed during a pro-Palestinian protest that involved the takeover of at least one floor of the Student Services Building (SSB), according to school president Berenecea Eanes.
In a statement, Eanes said three employees and one student were assaulted during the demonstration. She detailed that the incidents occurred "one as protesters gained entry to SSB, another as they were leaving, another who was surveying the damage, and one accosted on a walkway."
The protesters abandoned the barricaded building Thursday, leaving behind a trail of debris and damage in their wake. An unknown number of people were seen moving inside the building and several others chained themselves outside the main entrance on Wednesday, and on Thursday morning a small group remained on campus.
Wednesday's demonstration prompted the university to order a shelter-in-place for SSB and others were told to avoid the area and leave campus. In her statement, Eanes addressed those who were stuck in the building during the protest.
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"I am saddened, and I am angry," Eanes said. "For all those who sheltered in the Student Services Building, who had to leave in that chaos, thank you for being brave and resilient. Thank you for showing your professionalism and care – both for each other and for our students."
Damage at the university included overturned vending machines, broken furniture and windows and a large amount of trash strewn in front of and around the Student Services Building. The building's first-floor windows were sprayed with pro-Palestinian graffiti.
It was unclear how many people were involved in the protest. The group also erected barricades in the plaza outside the building entrance. There was no immediate sign of any escalating police presence.
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On social media, the protesters said Eanes “continues to dance around and repress our divestment demands,'' referencing calls for the university to halt any funding or financial support of businesses tied to Israel.
“We've been waiting for a response to our demands for 18 days,'' according to the group. “There is no more time to spare while families are being massacred by U.S. Imperialism with each minute that passes.''
Eanes said she and her team have had "formal and informal communication with the Encampment and its advisors," and that she had previously visited the encampment twice. Her office is located in the Student Services Building.
The university announced classes will meet remotely Thursday due to the demonstrations.
