On Friday, a protest took place on the Pomona College campus, resulting in the arrest of 19 students. Some of the students expressed their surprise and disappointment at what they perceived as a heavy-handed response from the police.
A group called Pomona Divest Apartheid took to Instagram to explain their reason for organizing the protest. They stated that they entered Alexander Hall on campus to express their opposition to the removal of their apartheid wall, which featured artwork from students in support of Palestine. The wall, which measured 32 feet in length, had been displayed since March 28.
She noted that the occupation went against campus policy due to the erection of tents, but she still recognized the protesters’ right to protest.
According to the university’s policy, campus staff started removing signs and other materials in preparation for the Sunday events. They informed the individuals present that they could either move their own material or it would be stored for pickup. As a result, the protesters relocated to the president’s office.
Claremont police reported that a group of around 100 to 150 protesters gathered outside the president’s office, while an additional 30 to 40 individuals forcefully entered the building, according to campus security staff.
According to a spokesperson from the Claremont Police Department, the School Administration promptly engaged in communication with the protesters. However, the protesters remained adamant about not vacating the building.
Analise Bacosa Pugh, a student at Pitzer College, vividly described the intense police response. She recounted how the officers entered the scene fully equipped in riot gear, with a large number of them present. Some officers carried massive rifles, approximately two and a half feet in length, securely fastened across their chests. Additionally, all the officers were armed with batons and had their helmets on.
The authorities apprehended the students on charges of trespassing and transported them to the Claremont Police Department. Upon their arrival at the station, a group of protesters gathered in response.
Diana Truong, a student at Pomona College, expressed her surprise at the police response after spending the night in jail on Saturday.
Truong expressed his belief that their actions were justified as they were advocating for each other’s rights. He vividly described the intensity of the situation, mentioning that his hands were still bleeding from the confrontation with riot police armed with heavy weapons.
President Starr stated that campus safety and administrators were willing to help with relocating the materials to the area near Walker Wall, which has historically been a space conducive to active dissent.
“We made it clear, both verbally and in writing, that the individuals should cease their harassment and identify themselves. Despite our instructions, they persisted with their offensive behavior for over two hours, clinging to their signs. This kind of harassment is completely unacceptable, and there is no justification for refusing to provide identification on our campus,” stated Starr.
According to her, students from Pomona who took part in the events on Friday may face “immediate suspension.”
