Cal State LA graduations start as pro-Gaza protesters vow to stay ‘until more is decided’ (2024)

Inside the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, the atmosphere was thick with joy on Monday, May 20, the first day of six commencement ceremonies for graduates of Cal State L.A.

At the same time, about eight miles east, a serene, yet determined scene emerged at the university campus’s “Gaza solidarity encampment,” which entered its 20th day in front of the school’s gymnasium.

On one hand, students were celebrating the future. On the other, it was clear that the impact of recent weeks was resonating.

‘Just the beginning’

The events set for Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 are hostedat the Los Angeles Convention Center, where officials said over 5,700 students would be conferred as graduates of the Class of 2024.

“You are here to acknowledge your amazing accomplishments of your education. Thank you for choosing us,” said CSULA President Berenecea Eanes in her opening remarks Monday morning, during a ceremony for graduates in the College of Business and Economics. “The world desperately needs you to be who you are, to take care of your families, to be critical thinkers, to continue to invest in yourself… the journey does not end here, it is just the beginning.”

Officials said it was the first time CSULA’s commencement ceremonies were held at the L.A. Convention Center. Other cultural graduations and events were held on the university campus over the weekend.

“This is monumental,” Eanes asked the graduates. “You all like the new space?”

One by one, Cal State LA graduates from all walks of life — including over 130 veterans, officials said — came up to take photos, hear their names called and celebrate their achievements.

They processed down the aisle of the convention center to loud cheers, waving decorated caps and gowns, without any interruptions.

“Everything went well, it was planned out and organized well,” said Daisy Torres, a communications graduate, at an afternoon ceremony. Torres said she was glad the encampment “was able to continue and everything, all the events, could still go on so we can celebrate.”

‘Semi-productive’ negotiations

On Monday, pro-Palestinian students, demanding their university support an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, showed their solidarity with the people of Gaza inside the makeshift encampment on its 20th day.

Activists with Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at CSULA, which helped organize the encampment, have released a list of demands that include the university disclosing its investments, divesting from companies part of “the military industrial complex” and with ties to Israel, and reinvesting in “a people’s CSULA” that students say “is not beholden to Zionist and imperialist private donors.”

CSULA officials have responded through both in-person and emailed correspondences.

Last week, President Eanes met with pro-Palestine student and faculty activists inside the encampment to voice support for their demands for more transparency over the school’s investments. While the peaceful encampment remained on campus “until demands are met,” officials agreed to another meeting to hash out negotiations.

On Saturday, May 18, Eanes and other CSULA officials met with the encampment leaders to continue discussions.

Sarah, a spokesperson for SJP who did not want to be named for safety reasons, on Monday described the talks as “semi-productive,” adding that no new demands have been agreed upon and a date has not yet been set for the next meeting with administration.

After their previous negotiation session on Thursday, May 16, the protesters said Cal State L.A. had agreed to disclose their investments.

After Saturday’s discussion, they say a report on the disclosure — detailing Cal State LA’s investments, including grants, contracts, any financial ties — will be presented by June 30, with the information available on the school website by fall semester. The administration also agreed not to retaliate against protesters as long as they remain peaceful.

The students want the university to prohibit all investment “in companies that violate any humanitarian law standards.” They demanded SPJ representation on a committee where students or alumni are more involved in investment decisions, reiterating Cal State’s “shared governance” structure.

University officials recommended revisions to students’ proposals, “by adding a human rights-based approach” to any investment policy statements, and ensuring all investments “align with that policy.”

‘Here as long as we need to’

During both negotiations — which are live-streamed on SPJ’s Instagram for transparency purposes — university officials have said they are open to listening to and exploring some of SPJ’s demands, but admitted that some will require more time and additional consultation before a decision can be approved.

“This proposal has to go to (the) University Council. I cannot do this proposal by myself,” Eanes said. “It is a university consultative process for anything at this level of detail, with this level of language.”

A particular sticking point between the two sides has been the students’ demand to end to policing on campus, including defunding university police, severing ties with the Los Angeles Police Department, and reinvesting instead in more student resources — such as counselors and psychiatrists.

“We know that (Eanes) is capable of meeting a lot of (our demands) instantaneously and we know some of our demands are easy for her,” Sarah, the SPJ liaison, said. “She’s picking and choosing to be able to see how long she can wait us out and if we will lose our momentum but we’re here till our demands are met, and we plan to be here as long as we need to.”

Eanes was disheartened at this specific demand, saying it is a “sad occurrence… to have a campus this size and for people to not feel as if they have faith in the university police. I’m sorry that you’re in this situation.”

Erik Frost Hollins, a spokesperson for the university, said in a statement that all campus protests have remained peaceful, and the university is in daily communication with the encampment leaders.

“The group is being given the time and space to hold what conversations they need,” Hollins said Monday.

President Eanes “expressed her commitment to increase financial transparency, review investment policies, and fund a faculty-and-staff-driven initiative to support Southwest Asian and North African students. She also reiterated her desire to find common ground on a statement against violence that reflects the values of the entire Cal State L.A. community and her continuing support for peaceful protest.”

Some California colleges includingUC Riverside, UC Berkeley and Sacramento State have agreed to study divestment. Some have accepted policy changes.

One university leader, CSU Sonoma State President Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee, was placed on leave last week after he agreed to protestors’ demands, including involving them in university decision processes and pursuing divestment from Israel.

The message by Sonoma State’s Lee was issued “without the appropriate approvals,” said Mildred García, chancellor of the 23-campus CSU system, in a statement, calling it “insubordination.”

On Saturday, Eanes said she would not write a statement supporting student advocacy to the CSU Board of Trustees. But she reiterated her support for what she called a “beautiful” encampment, and supported “the peaceful process we have had” in negotiations.

“I support your advocacy 100%.”

Protesters at the campus Monday said they plan to continue their encampment outside the university gym, which has grown since last week, until all of their demands are met.

“Until more is decided, we will be here,” an encampment student leader said Saturday.

Graduations continue Tuesday at the L.A. Convention Center.