UCPD Attempts to Remove Wheeler Hall Tree-Sitter

UCPD today removed the supplies of a protester in a tree outside Wheeler Hall and submitted an agreement to him in an effort to get him to leave his post.

As a crowd of more than 300 people watched the incident, UCPD gave the tree-sitter a signed agreement that he will not be arrested and no identification will be made if he leaves the tree immediately.

As of 1:30 p.m., the protester, who identifies himself only as Fresh, has not yet accepted the agreement.

Fresh took to the trees in front of Wheeler Hall on Feb. 26, calling for the democratization of the UC Board of Regents and the termination of the campus' deal with energy giant BP, among other demands.

Earlier this morning, police climbed the tree and cut down a bag, a water bottle, a banner and blankets from the tree, all of which dropped to the ground.

A ladder was then positioned next to the tree for Fresh to climb down, but the protester responded by pulling the top half of the ladder off. Two police officers then climbed partway up the tree and removed the ladder from the tree.

Spectators both booed and applauded as Fresh climbed higher up the tree with only a bucket and a bag left. Some watching the scene tried to convince him to come down and accept the police offer.

Junior Jessica Schley entered the metal fence with the police officers' permission in an effort to persuade Fresh to leave the tree. After about five minutes, she was asked to leave and was escorted out. In what she said was a show of nonviolent protest, Schley went limp and was dragged out by two officers.

The police are not planning on taking any further action concerning the tree-sitter today, said Dan Mogulof, the campus executive director of public affairs.

"An offer was made and he did not take the offer," he said. "Actions speak louder than words."

Mogulof added that there is no intention of using physical force to remove Fresh from the tree.

"We want to do this in a way that will ensure safety and security," he said.

Some students said they did not understand Fresh's purpose and derided him for hiding behind a mask.

"I think that what he's been doing is getting people talking, which is good, but it lacks concrete direction and energy," said sophomore Meghan Hunt as she watched the scene.

UCPD said they will continue to occupy the perimeter around the tree until Fresh comes down.

It is important to send the message that people are not allowed to occupy property and extort the university, Mogulof said.

"Today it's a tree, tomorrow it's a lab, the next day it's a classroom," he said.

Tags: WHEELER HALL, TREES