Sacramento, California Local News
Veteran with disabilities alleges UC Davis pro-Palestinian encampment blocks main pathways
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As a pro-Palestinian encampment on UC Davis’ campus hits day 16 since it was established, the university now faces a lawsuit in connection with the protesters.Jonathan Groveman, a Davis-area veteran with disabilities, claims he was attacked physically and verbally, which is why he filed a 12-page federal lawsuit to take down the encampment, occupied by 200 people he refers to as extremists. The lawsuit names several UC Davis officials including Chancellor Gary S. May.Groveman said the encampment blocks those with disabilities from using the sidewalk. He also said in the lawsuit that the encampment has become a hostile environment, with masked people, and guards who don’t allow for counter-protesters to come by and share their views.A spokesperson for UC Davis Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine (PULP), the group behind the encampment, denies the allegations and said they won’t be distracted from what they call their mission for peace.PULP argues it had to put up a high fence to protect students staying inside who have been yelled at and harassed. The group also said anyone who wants full access to the quad can request an escort to get through.Groveman said he agrees with free speech but demands that the encampment relocate to a spot on campus that isn’t blocking the main pathways.”If you get anywhere near there, they will block you; they will push you; they will hit you,” Groveman said. “That is why they have a lawsuit on their hands.”Stanford McConnehey, the organizer of the encampment said that he “would really question who are the extremists.” University leaders are meeting with the encampment organizers on Wednesday to discuss the group’s demands.UC Davis released a statement in response to the federal lawsuit.”UC Davis is committed to a safe and peaceful campus environment that respects our community’s right to free expression while maintaining our educational and research mission without disruption. When the university receives a complaint of denial of reasonable accommodation, antisemitism or other offensive behavior, it immediately reaches out to the affected parties to provide support and resources, and reviews the allegations under the university’s anti-discrimination policy.”See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app.
As a pro-Palestinian encampment on UC Davis’ campus hits day 16 since it was established, the university now faces a lawsuit in connection with the protesters.
Jonathan Groveman, a Davis-area veteran with disabilities, claims he was attacked physically and verbally, which is why he filed a 12-page federal lawsuit to take down the encampment, occupied by 200 people he refers to as extremists.
The lawsuit names several UC Davis officials including Chancellor Gary S. May.
Groveman said the encampment blocks those with disabilities from using the sidewalk. He also said in the lawsuit that the encampment has become a hostile environment, with masked people, and guards who don’t allow for counter-protesters to come by and share their views.
A spokesperson for UC Davis Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine (PULP), the group behind the encampment, denies the allegations and said they won’t be distracted from what they call their mission for peace.
PULP argues it had to put up a high fence to protect students staying inside who have been yelled at and harassed.
The group also said anyone who wants full access to the quad can request an escort to get through.
Groveman said he agrees with free speech but demands that the encampment relocate to a spot on campus that isn’t blocking the main pathways.
“If you get anywhere near there, they will block you; they will push you; they will hit you,” Groveman said. “That is why they have a lawsuit on their hands.”
Stanford McConnehey, the organizer of the encampment said that he “would really question who are the extremists.”
University leaders are meeting with the encampment organizers on Wednesday to discuss the group’s demands.
UC Davis released a statement in response to the federal lawsuit.
“UC Davis is committed to a safe and peaceful campus environment that respects our community’s right to free expression while maintaining our educational and research mission without disruption. When the university receives a complaint of denial of reasonable accommodation, antisemitism or other offensive behavior, it immediately reaches out to the affected parties to provide support and resources, and reviews the allegations under the university’s anti-discrimination policy.”
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app.
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