Despite repeated warnings about violating campus policy, Occupy Cal protesters continued their encampment outside Sproul Hall with nine tents Monday evening.
As of about 5:30 p.m. Monday, around 25 students remained on the Sproul steps in continuation of a protest that began Feb. 9 — three months after the Nov. 9 campus protest events drew national attention.
“Personally, I think the Occupy movement has never died down,” said UC Berkeley junior Micah Love. “I think it’s not as visible now not only here but across the country because of police repression of the camps. We’re here to create visibility.”
Protesters said a UCPD officer approached them around 12:05 a.m. Monday and said they were liable for misdemeanor or arrest.
However, campus police have not yet issued a dispersal order, and no protesters have been arrested.
“We are monitoring the situation,” said UCPD spokesperson Lt. Eric Tejada. “We’ll take action when it is needed … We’re hoping that they can ‘see the light.’”
This approach differs markedly from the Nov. 9 protest events, which elicited widespread condemnation from faculty and students after police used batons on protesters.
“We’re still assessing and trying to work to avoid a confrontation,” said Claire Holmes, associate vice chancellor for public affairs.
Protesters said there is no definitive time period to the length of their stay and continue to hold general assemblies every Monday and Thursday at 6 p.m. to discuss issues related to the Occupy movement.
“I plan on being out here as long as my body lasts, whether that means until the concrete and cold beat me or the UCPD (arrive),” said senior Frank Luna.
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occupy a job !
Okay, guys, you now have been told you’re not supposed to be doing what you’re doing. Okay? Just don’t want you to say you didn’t know, okay? They’re not saying it’s okay that you’re there, alright? It’s called a warning. They’re not saying “get out or we’ll drag you out” because if they decide it’s gotten to that point then it’s more effective to have the element of surprise, okay? If they let everyone know when and how they’re going to remove you they could have another mob on their hands and they might have to hurt someone, so they’re dropping you little hints, okay? Just sayin’