Went to #UCBerkeley today to see the student encampment for myself. It was graduation day on campus so a lot of students with caps/gowns with their family.
When I was there as an undergrad, we studied the protest movements that occupied Sproul Hall. Black and white, grainy photos of a distant era. Something to theorize and discuss in class.
It was surreal to see for myself the past very much connected to the present.
I was worried the #UCBerkeley encampment would be the next to fall after Alt-Right groups and then the cops attacked the #UCLA encampment.
Now I’m not so sure this will happen at Cal. It’s a community college that happens to be a world class University. The community hosted “Kid’s Day” at the encampment.
I didn’t think it was possible to love #UCBerkeley any more than I do but today felt like one of those days.
The sun was out. After visiting the encampment, I grabbed some Korean at Steve’s BBQ in the “Asian Ghetto” - finished it off with a Snapple from the liquor store next door. All the things I used to do as an undergrad eons ago.
And then I venmo’d the kids at the encampment some money and signed the UC Alumni BDS petition.
I’ve never been more proud of Cal and this community. I can see why the Chancellor won’t touch this baracade. After they get past the baby strollers, they’ll be a lot of people who are willing to get arrested to protect the students and what they believe in.
The protest encampment at UC Berkeley is currently about 150 tents strong, but so far the administration has refused to call police or disperse the group. Classes continue, and commencement is on track to take place as scheduled.