Five Stanford University students, including four current and one former student, face trial on felony vandalism and trespassing charges for occupying the university president's offices during a pro-Palestinian protest in June last year. This is a rare instance of demonstrators being charged with felonies for actions taken during campus protests that have been widespread this year.
The protesters, who barricaded themselves inside the president and provost's offices for several hours, damaged the building, spray-painted on it, broke windows and furniture, disabled security cameras, and splattered red liquid described as fake blood on items throughout the offices. The university is seeking $329,000 in restitution.
One defendant pleaded no contest under an agreement that allows eligible youth to have their cases dismissed and records sealed if they successfully complete probation. However, four others chose not to plead out and instead opted for a jury trial.
The prosecution claims the protesters planned to trespass and damaged property with malicious intent. Their attorneys argue that speech is protected by the First Amendment, but vandalism is prosecuted under the penal code.
The trial marks one of several high-profile cases involving university students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests across the US. In total, over 3,200 people were arrested nationwide for participating in such demonstrations.
This case highlights the complex balance between free speech and property rights on college campuses, as well as the challenges faced by universities in addressing student activism. The outcome of this trial will likely have implications for similar cases in the future.
The protesters, who barricaded themselves inside the president and provost's offices for several hours, damaged the building, spray-painted on it, broke windows and furniture, disabled security cameras, and splattered red liquid described as fake blood on items throughout the offices. The university is seeking $329,000 in restitution.
One defendant pleaded no contest under an agreement that allows eligible youth to have their cases dismissed and records sealed if they successfully complete probation. However, four others chose not to plead out and instead opted for a jury trial.
The prosecution claims the protesters planned to trespass and damaged property with malicious intent. Their attorneys argue that speech is protected by the First Amendment, but vandalism is prosecuted under the penal code.
The trial marks one of several high-profile cases involving university students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests across the US. In total, over 3,200 people were arrested nationwide for participating in such demonstrations.
This case highlights the complex balance between free speech and property rights on college campuses, as well as the challenges faced by universities in addressing student activism. The outcome of this trial will likely have implications for similar cases in the future.
I mean... Interesting how the university is making an example out of these students while also having a $329k restitution request going on. Like, what's the real motivation here? Is it really about holding them accountable or is it about sending a message to others who might consider similar actions in the future? 
The punishment doesn't seem to fit the crime, if you ask me.
The fact that one defendant got off scot-free by pleading no contest just adds to my concerns about this whole situation.
And it's not just about the Stanford incident - I've heard similar stories from friends at other universities where students got arrested for participating in protests. What even is the point of having college if you can't express yourself and make some noise about the issues that matter? 
. and $329k restitution is crazy... i feel bad for these kids, they're just trying to fight for what they believe in.
. if we can't have a peaceful way to express our opinions, then what's the point of going to school?
. fingers crossed
...
I mean, can you imagine having to pay back $329k just 'cause you wanted to show some solidarity with Palestine? Like, I get it, university property is not a playground, but come on! 
Those students were just trying to make a point and got caught up in the heat of the moment. I'm no lawyer, but it seems like they might be arguing that speech > property... am I right? 
And 3200 people arrested nationwide for protesting? That's like, more than the number of times I've eaten pizza this year 
. Seriously though, universities need to find a better way to balance freedom of expression with, you know, not trashing stuff 
. Trial and error, I guess!