Students suspended and charged after occupation

by Mia Costales and Noelle Doblado

Following the Nelson Hall East occupation on Feb. 27, some students have received notice of disciplinary actions from the university, including campus suspension.

When asked, the university did not disclose the exact number of students facing suspension, disciplinary actions or specific disciplinary actions, stating that due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), they cannot comment on student conduct cases.

“As evidenced by over 50 protests in the last two years, we respect everyone’s First Amendment right to free expression—regardless of their viewpoints or backgrounds. We also support the rights of all students, staff, and faculty to a safe and respectful learning and working environment that is free from disruptions,” the university said. “When actions move beyond protected expression and interfere with the rights of others or the functioning of the University, including illegally occupying a building or room, we have a responsibility to respond in accordance with our policies and applicable laws. The University is following established campus and legal processes in response to violations of University policy and CSU Time, Place, and Manner policies.”

CPH student Rick Toledo was notified of his suspension on March 2 at 3 p.m., when he received a secure email from the university notifying him of violations of several university policies and a charge of assault. The email, which Toledo sent to El Leñador, stated that he is indefinitely suspended from campus and all affiliated locations.

Toledo said that he was not present when the group of protestors first entered Nelson Hall East, as he was in the library printing fliers to notify campus of the sit-in taking place in the SAC Quad. When he returned to the Quad, he realized that the protestors had moved to the Goodwin Forum and administration had locked all access to the building.

“I was asked by some of the students who were scared to show their identity if I could be like a public negotiating kind of figure for them, so I arrived to do that,” Toledo said. “I wanted to come with their demands and concerns and bring them to the administrators. Unfortunately, what I found were administrators who were just trying to spin a narrative and kind of not actually address the demands.” 

Toledo mentioned that he noticed several of the administrators blocking supporters from delivering supplies to the protestors in Goodwin Forum, which prompted him to step in.

“When I witnessed that, my instinct was to stand in front of that person who felt that they could do that, that they could physically block people from bringing food and water to these students,” Toledo said. “So I stood in front of them and I waved people through and I would do it again. As far as I’m concerned, that is not assault. My back was to them, I was not touching them and I think they’re trying to levy an assault charge for me ensuring that these protestors had food and water.”

Toledo works on campus as an instructional student assistant and due to the suspension, he is currently unable to work. 

Another student, who wanted to remain anonymous for privacy, also received notice of their week long suspension the exact time as Toledo. This student does live on campus and has a meal plan, but as of now they said both remain unaffected.

The student said they never entered the Goodwin Forum, where the occupation took place. They remained outside the building and handed food to protestors who were stepping out to the railing of the room’s doors. They said they were in violation of “providing support to protestors” and “providing unauthorized access.” El Leñador did not receive access to the anonymous student’s notice of discipline. 

“Other than the administrative issues, I feel oddly fine, unlike the first time this has happened to me two years ago where I was a nervous wreck. I am sure history will absolve the students,” the student said.