Golden State Today

Chancellor Carol Christ of the University of California, Berkeley, recently addressed the campus community regarding the ongoing protest at Sather Gate. Christ acknowledged the concerns surrounding the protest, stating, "I have been asked many questions over the past weeks about the protest at Sather Gate."

Christ emphasized the importance of political protest on campus, noting that while it is a valued activity, it is also subject to regulations. She stated, "Political protest is a protected—indeed a valued—activity on the Berkeley campus, it is also subject to time, place, and manner regulations."

Regarding the enforcement of regulations, Christ highlighted the need for neutrality, saying, "Enforcement of regulations must be content neutral." She also mentioned the deployment of observers to monitor and report on the situation at Sather Gate in response to various complaints, stating, "Because I have heard a variety of complaints associated with the current situation at the Gate, I have decided to post observers who can monitor and report on the situation."

In light of the ongoing protest and potential future demonstrations, Chancellor Carol Christ expressed a willingness to reassess current policies and procedures. She mentioned convening a group to review the existing time, place, and manner rules, with the aim of proposing revisions, saying, "In anticipation of what are likely to be frequent political protests, I am not sure our approach to our current time, place, and manner rules, particularly about the Gate, are serving us well. I am therefore convening a small group to re-examine the policies and procedures, and to potentially propose revisions."

The Chancellor's message reflects a commitment to upholding the Principles of Community and facilitating peaceful protest on the Berkeley campus.