In a concerning turn of events, a group of anti-Israel protesters vandalized a campus building at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State, L.A.) on Wednesday night. As a result, the university president, Berenecea Johnson Eanes, ordered the encampment to disburse and condemned the violent actions.

The protest took place at the student services building, where President Eanes' office is located. Protesters barricaded the entrances of the building using umbrellas, rope, golf carts, chairs, and other objects. The destructive act resulted in shattered windows and red paint messages splattered on the walls.

Approximately 60 employees were instructed to shelter in place for two hours until security was able to establish an exit late on Wednesday evening. Thankfully, no one was held hostage during the incident. By early Thursday, the protesters had left the building.

President Eanes expressed her disappointment, stating that the trust in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment to practice non-violence had been violated. She pledged to hold accountable those directly involved in the illegal activities, highlighting that stolen property and significant damage were left behind.

The damage to the building will have repercussions for student-facing services, including admissions, records, accessible technology, basic needs, new student and family engagement, Dreamer resources, and educational opportunity programs, according to President Eanes. She reassured the campus community that recovery efforts would be made and asserted her commitment to preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

However, despite the order to disburse, the encampment remained active as of Thursday afternoon. "WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN!!" Students for Justice in Palestine at CSULA declared on social media, indicating their determination to continue their protest. The group's Instagram page has since been deactivated.

In response to the unfortunate incident, Cal State, L.A. officials made the decision to move all classes online and cancel campus events indefinitely, ensuring the safety and well-being of the university community.

As investigations continue, the hope is that dialogue and peaceful means of expressing grievances can prevail, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment on campus.