President Gabrielle Starr of Pomona College in Claremont, California, recently addressed the campus community after a pro-Palestinian protest led to verbal harassment and disobedience from a group of protesters. In response to the events, Starr warned that any Pomona students involved would face immediate suspension, while students from other Claremont Colleges faced a ban from the campus. The ongoing protests had occupied a portion of the campus center for a week, but immediate action was taken following the events on Friday, where at least 18 people were reportedly arrested by a heavy police presence.
The protesters had initially occupied a portion of the Smith Campus Center lawn, against the institution’s policies, but were allowed to continue as they were expressing their right to protest. However, the situation escalated on Friday when the protesters verbally harassed staff, used racial slurs, and refused to identify themselves. This unacceptable behavior led to the president’s warning of immediate disciplinary action for Pomona students and a ban for students from other Claremont Colleges on the campus. The confrontation lasted for over two hours, with the protesters also occupying the president’s office in Alexander Hall under false pretenses.
While the institution supports peaceful protests that follow demonstration policies, the actions of the protesters were deemed as disruptive and destructive of the community’s values by President Starr. The protesters were given multiple opportunities to cease their harassing behavior, provide identification, and move their materials, but they refused to comply. This led to a crackdown by the college administration, with students facing suspension or disciplinary actions on their respective campuses. The heavy police presence at the college on Friday highlighted the severity of the situation and the need for immediate intervention.
President Starr emphasized that protesters who follow institutional policies for demonstrations would not be affected by the disciplinary measures. However, the defiance, harassment, and refusal to cooperate displayed by the protesters led to a rapid response from campus officials to maintain order and discipline on the campus. The ongoing protests had been tolerated until the events on Friday, which crossed the line with verbal assaults, racial slurs, and occupation of campus facilities. The administration reiterated their support for peaceful demonstrations while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for actions that undermine the values and rights of the community.
