Trial begins for Stanford students for occupying offices in pro-Palestinian protest

Trial Underway for Stanford Students Who Occupied President's Office During Pro-Palestinian Protest

A dramatic trial has begun in San Francisco, California, for five current and former students at Stanford University who occupied the university president's office during a pro-Palestinian protest last year. The students, all of whom denied any wrongdoing, are facing felony charges for vandalism and trespassing.

The incident occurred on June 5, 2024, when the students barricaded themselves inside the president and provost's offices for several hours, sparking widespread protests across US university campuses. The protesters were demanding that Stanford University stop doing business with Israel or companies that support its war efforts against Gaza.

According to prosecutors, the students spray-painted on the building, broke windows and furniture, disabled security cameras, and splattered fake blood on items throughout the offices. The university is seeking $329,000 in restitution.

However, defense attorneys argue that their clients' actions were protected by the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech, which cannot be prosecuted under US law. "Speech is protected by the First Amendment," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen last year. "Vandalism is prosecuted under the penal code."

Five students have opted to plead not guilty, while six others accepted plea deals or diversion programs. The trial marks a rare instance of demonstrators facing trial for their actions during the wave of campus protests that year.

The case has sparked debate about the limits of free speech on university campuses and the role of law enforcement in responding to protests. As the trial unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on whether the students' actions constitute a crime or an exercise of constitutional rights.

This whole thing is super messed up . I mean, I get why the students were protesting and all that, but come on, occupying the president's office? That's just not right. They're not gonna learn anything by smashing stuff and making a scene. And now they're facing felony charges? That's ridiculous. Can't we just have open discussion and debate without resorting to violence or property damage? I don't think so . The university should be supporting free speech, not trying to silence these students. It's like they're trying to send a message that protest is just not allowed on campus anymore. Newsflash: it's not going away

omg can u believe these 5 stanford students r goin down for protestin against israel lol like they didnt even do nothin but express their opinion meanwhile the uni is tryna charge em $329k restitution fam thats wild the whole point was to make a statement about israel's treatment of palestinians and now they're facin felony charges wut r they even gonna say its like theyre tryna shut down free speech on campuses already

ugh what's next? these kids are going to get some serious time for just expressing their opinion. like, come on, they're not hurting anyone except maybe the university's wallet . and now we're debating the limits of free speech on campuses? shouldn't that be a no-brainer? i mean, if you don't like what someone is saying, shut your mouth instead of trying to silence them. this trial is just going to perpetuate the problem of overzealous law enforcement and give students a reason to be even more hesitant to speak out about issues they care about .

This whole thing is like, totally crazy . I mean, we're talking about students taking action for what they believe in, and now they're facing trial? It's like, what's next? Trying to silence peaceful protesters on the streets too? The university is trying to spin this as a case of vandalism, but it's really just a case of students standing up for their rights. And let's be real, who hasn't been there when they felt passionately about something and didn't know how to express themselves without getting arrested?

The thing that gets me is that the university is asking for $329,000 in restitution. That's like, a lot of money . But what's even more frustrating is that it's not just about the students, it's about setting a precedent. What happens to other students who want to speak out? Will they be silenced too?

this is so frustrating... I feel like these kids were just trying to express themselves and bring attention to a cause that needs to be talked about. They're not even getting a chance to explain their side of things in court, it's all about the prosecution's narrative. It's like they did something wrong just because it ruffled some feathers. can't we just have an open conversation without resorting to charging people with felonies?

The whole thing seems kinda fishy to me . I mean, five students vs the entire university system? It's all about perspective . If they're fighting for what they believe in, shouldn't we be supporting them, not prosecuting them? The First Amendment is there for a reason - freedom of speech! And let's be real, some of these protests can get pretty heated . But at the end of the day, it's all about respect and understanding . Can't we find a way to disagree without destroying property?

I'm all for student activism , but sometimes these protests can get out of hand . I mean, vandalism and breaking windows ain't exactly peaceful protest tactics . It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've got a right to free speech, but you gotta respect our property too!"

I think the university is being fair by charging them restitution . I get it, the students were passionate about their cause, but so should the university be able to protect its assets . It's like when you're out protesting – you might not agree with the police tactics, but you've still got to follow the rules .

But at the same time, I worry that this trial could set a precedent for universities cracking down on free speech . If the students win their case, it could be seen as a victory for corporate interests over student rights . That's what concerns me – the balance between protest and property damage .

I'm so tired of this . Can't people just express themselves without causing chaos? I mean, I get it, being pro-Palestinian is a serious issue and protests are a valid way to bring attention to it... but vandalizing the university president's office? That's just not cool . And now these students are facing felony charges? It's like they're being punished for exercising their right to free speech . I remember when we could hold peaceful protests without the cops showing up in riot gear . This whole situation is just so... complicated .

This is wild ! I mean, I get why they were protesting, but breaking into the president's office? That's some next-level stuff . It's like, I'd want to know what's going on too, you feel? But at the same time, vandalism and trespassing are no joke . I'm not sure how the court is gonna rule on this one, but it's def gonna be interesting . The whole free speech thing is a grey area, but I guess that's what makes it so contentious . Either way, hoping they get some justice out of this .

this is so messed up like can't we just have a peaceful protest without getting charged with felonies? the first amendment is supposed to protect our right to free speech, not punish us for exercising it also, what's next? are they gonna start prosecuting people for holding signs that say "boycott israel" or something? it's not like they're hurting anyone, just making a point about the university's complicity with israel's human rights abuses

this whole thing feels kinda fishy ... i mean, 5 students vs $329k restitution? seems like a pretty heavy price for "protesting" and expressing your opinions... now, i get that vandalism is a bummer and all, but come on, can't they just express themselves through peaceful means instead of resorting to damage property?

anyway, gotta feel for the students who did this. they're probably passionate about their cause and wanna make a point ... but at the same time, gotta respect the law and the university's right to secure its own property

i hope the court weighs all sides fairly and doesn't just lean towards one perspective or the other ... and maybe, just maybe, this trial will spark a bigger conversation about free speech on campus and how it should be handled

omg, can you believe this?! these students are going through so much just for exercising their right to free speech! they're not even guilty as per law but it's like the system is pushing back hard against them .

i mean, think about it. the students were protesting a cause that they believed in, and that takes courage. you'd think that's what we're supposed to be celebrating, not being taken away by the authorities .

of course, i get where law enforcement and prosecutors are coming from, but can't they see that this is just about freedom of speech? it's like, we have the right to express ourselves, even if we don't agree with everyone else .

anyway, fingers crossed for these students. i hope justice is served and their rights are protected .

What's up with our country? A group of students are literally fighting for their freedom to express themselves and I'm worried that they're gonna get roasted . The whole situation is pretty wild, but you've got to wonder if the university and the cops are trying to teach these kids a lesson or just silence them . Either way, it's not cool that they're facing felony charges for basically doing what I do on my days off – expressing myself online.