Protesters inside also held signs that urged supporters outside to resist law enforcement: “There are more of u than them” and “PUSH THEM OUT!”

Around 11 p.m., law enforcement officers left the front of Siemens Hall, according to Lost Coast Outpost.

As dozens of protesters remained barricaded inside Siemens Hall Tuesday afternoon, buildings remained locked down Tuesday, and in-person classes were canceled. Students were advised to check in with their instructors or supervisors for instructions on remote classes.

The university said administrators were concerned about the safety of the students inside the building and urged them to discuss a peaceful resolution.

“The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive,” the university said. “There are many avenues and options to express views that don’t involve disrupting operations and vandalizing campus, which interferes with the campus community’s rights to a safe and peaceful environment.”

Humboldt for Palestine, a group that did not organize the protest but amplified the protesters demands, said in a statement on Instagram Tuesday that the students would not leave until the university divested from “israeli” occupation and the ongoing genocide.”

“We will not negotiate us leaving until they divest,” Humboldt for Palestine wrote Tuesday on behalf of the students. “After that is met, then we will have further demands. But we are not leaving or moving or talking until they have completely divested from israel.”

“The liberation of Palestine is the focal point of this work at this time,” they added. “Free Palestine from the river to the sea.”

The group urged students and members of the community descend on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus to protect the students as they demanded the institution disclose all holdings and collaborations with Israel, cut all ties with Israeli universities, and drop all “charges and attacks” on student organizers as well as an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

“Go to the campus as soon as you can!”

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