Protesters at Cal State Los Angeles enter administration building, prompting staff to shelter in place

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Cal State Los Angeles entered a campus building on Wednesday, taking over the first floor, as “a small number” of administrators still inside were asked to shelter in place, campus officials said.

“I can confirm that there are still a small number of administrators in the building,” said Erik Frost Hollins, a school spokesperson. “We are working through options to bring this fluid situation to the best resolution possible.”

The offices in the Student Services Building include much of the campus administration, along with the eighth-floor office of President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. It was not immediately clear which staff members were in sheltering in place in the building’s upper floors.

“We have asked building employees to shelter in place and other employees have been asked to leave the campus,” Frost Hollins said.

Protesters had moved chairs and other objects in front of the doors at the building, barricading the entrance, according to video from ABC News’ Los Angeles station KABC. The building appeared to have been marked with pro-Palestinian graffiti.

All classes and operations on the main campus were to be held remotely until further notice, the university said in an alert on its website.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

On a recent afternoon, protesters at Cal State Los Angeles made their way into the administration building, causing staff members to shelter in place. The incident, which occurred on campus, has sparked conversations about the rights of protesters and the safety of university staff.

The protesters, who were advocating for various social justice causes, entered the building with signs and chants, demanding to speak with university officials. As they made their way through the halls, staff members were instructed to shelter in place until the situation could be resolved.

While the protesters’ intentions may have been peaceful, the incident raised concerns about the potential for disruptions on campus. University officials have stated that they support the right to protest, but also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all individuals on campus.

In response to the incident, campus security has increased patrols and implemented additional safety measures to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. The university is also working to address the concerns raised by the protesters and engage in dialogue to find common ground.

Overall, the incident at Cal State Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding protests on college campuses. While freedom of speech and expression are fundamental rights, it is important for protesters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and respectful manner. Likewise, university staff must be prepared to respond to unexpected situations and prioritize the safety of all individuals on campus. By working together and fostering open communication, universities can create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community.