Cal Poly alters commencement plans due to anti-Israel protests and campus unrest

The California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, also known as Cal Poly Humboldt, has been forced to make changes to its upcoming commencement ceremony following anti-Israel protests and unrest on campus. The protests escalated to the point where agitators occupied two academic buildings, leading to a major police operation and the arrest of dozens of individuals.

In response to the situation, the university announced a modified in-person commencement ceremony with additional ceremonies to be held later this month. The campus remains under a “hard closure” as a result of the protests, with restrictions on movement through the center of campus.

The arrests of the anti-Israel agitators were carried out without incident, and there were no reported injuries. Cal Poly Humboldt President Tom Jackson Jr. expressed sadness over the situation, stating that “nobody wanted to see things come to this.” Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal commended the school and law enforcement for their efforts to restore order on campus.

The forced changes to the commencement ceremony highlight the impact of anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses across the U.S. and the challenges faced by universities in maintaining a safe and secure environment for students and faculty. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all individuals on campus.