Local Officials and Residents Monitor SoCal College Protests as Actions Spread to Pasadena Area

As protests against Israel’s military offensive in Gaza continue to spread across college campuses throughout Southern California, local officials and residents are closely monitoring developments.

The demonstrations, which have led to incidents of violence and arrests at some universities, have now reached local schools including Occidental College and Pasadena City College.

Elsewhere, protests have also begun to reach high school campuses, with walkouts and sit-ins reported in Austin, Seattle, and Chicago. The Pasadena Unified School District has not yet responded to inquiries regarding its plans if its students begin protesting.

On Monday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through the streets of Pasadena, organized by the group Pasadena For Palestine. On Tuesday, Pasadena City College students walked out of class and marched in solidarity with the protests, chanting and displaying signs outside the administration building before walking through the campus and gathering along Colorado Boulevard.

“We are walking out of class and in solidarity with students across the country and around the world calling for divestment from Israel and from wars and occupation in the militarism that our government engages in. They have not been listening to us for the last six months, as we’ve been protesting. So we are now here walking out in solidarity with Columbia students,” PCC student Robert Schaeffer said during the protest.

Dr. Peter Dreier, an Occidental College professor and local activist who resides in Pasadena, said “There are always issues that concern young people.”

“There was poverty and Vietnam when I was in college, apartheid in the 80s and then police racism and George Floyd,” Dreier said. “This issue has been percolating on college campuses for years.”

Earlier this week, protests began at Occidental College, where the administration has agreed not to involve police as long as the demonstrations remain peaceful.

Pasadena Councilmember-elect Rick Cole visited the college and observed the students’ behavior firsthand.

“I visited Occidental College yesterday and I saw the 60 or so tents that have been erected in the quad,” Cole said on Thursday. “The students there are acting responsibly in setting rules against hate speech and keeping the campus orderly.”

The Pasadena Police Department is maintaining contact with nearby jurisdictions in case assistance is needed.

“We can call upon our neighboring jurisdictions should the need exist and they can call on us,” said Lisa Derderian, Public Information Officer.

Jason Moss, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel Valley, expressed concern about the “ongoing intimidation and targeting of American Jews” and the “infringement of Civil liberties.” He emphasized that while the local Jewish community supports free speech, they take issue with actions that cause intimidation, fear, and infringement of First Amendment rights.

President Biden commented on the violence on Thursday after 200 people were arrested during a violent clash at UCLA.

“In moments like this, there are always those who rush in to score political points,” Biden said. “But this isn’t a moment for politics. It’s a moment for clarity. So let me be clear. Violent protest is not protected, peaceful protest is.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued strong words after the violence at UCLA.

“The law is clear,” Newsom said. “The right to free speech does not extend to inciting violence, vandalism, or lawlessness on campus. Those who engage in illegal behavior must be held accountable for their actions — including through criminal prosecution, suspension, or expulsion.”

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been a source of tension for centuries, with recent escalations sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel in October, followed by retaliatory strikes from Israel.

Students and Gaza supporters are calling for a ceasefire and demanding that institutions cut financial ties with Israel and companies profiting from the war.

In March, the Pasadena City Council unanimously approved a declaration establishing the City’s official position on the conflict. The declaration called for a cease-fire, the release of hostages, and the condemnation of war while urging peace.