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The university administration is being deliberately vague with concerns over safety and disruption so that it can justify a predetermined course of action, which is to get rid of the protesters.

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Indeed, I suspect you're right.

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Strictly, I believe the university administration has the authority to administer the university, but, geez, isn't the popular concept of a university a place where students protest?

I don't know who (Board, President, Senate) is responsible for this, but it's a black mark on them.

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The administration did what it could to prevent its handling of the encampment from ever being even debated at Senate. There was a request to put this matter on the agenda which was turned down. So the administration is acting on their own here.

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Does not the "encampment" issue create problems for any business, public or private?

The public health and safety of the campers would be a consideration.

The same expressions of freedom of expression and gathering could be accomplished by picketing daily about the issues at hand without the added risks.

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Not only does the encampment not block any buildings, it doesn't even block any paths. They're occupying a grassy hill. If there are "added risks" that justify enforcement against the encampment, the University should be able to clearly identify and articulate them.

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I'd add: if the protesters were blocking the freedom of movement of others, that WOULD constitute undue interference with campus operations, and I wouldn't object to enforcement. But barring new information, this has consistently been an unobstructive, peaceful protest.

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