A trial began Friday in California for five current and former Stanford University students charged with felony vandalism and conspiracy to trespass stemming from a pro-Palestinian protest in June 2024, when demonstrators barricaded themselves inside the university president’s and provost’s offices for several hours.
The case represents a rare instance of campus protesters from 2024’s wave of university demonstrations facing a criminal jury trial. Of roughly 3,200 people arrested at campus protests nationally that year, most charges were ultimately dismissed, according to the Associated Press.
The June 2024 Occupation
Demonstrators barricaded themselves inside the offices at Stanford University on June 5, 2024 — the last day of spring classes at the Silicon Valley university. Authorities arrested and charged 12 people.
Prosecutors accused the demonstrators of spray-painting on the building, breaking windows and furniture, disabling security cameras, and splattering a red liquid described as fake blood throughout the offices. Stanford University is seeking $329,000 in restitution.
From 12 Defendants to Five on Trial
One defendant, a 21-year-old man, pleaded no contest under an agreement that allows eligible youth to have their cases dismissed and records sealed if they successfully complete probation. He testified for the prosecution, contributing to a grand jury indictment in October of the 11 others on felony vandalism and felony conspiracy to trespass charges.
Six of the 11 accepted pretrial plea deals or diversion programs. The five defendants now on trial pleaded not guilty.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Avi Singh, an attorney representing Stanford student Germán González, said González decided to exercise his right to a jury trial.
“Germán González and the other four defendants are exercising their constitutional right to have a jury trial, and demand the district attorney prove everything that is required for a conviction,” Singh said, noting that questions of whether defendants planned to trespass and what their intent was remain central to the case.
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said last year, when announcing his decision to charge the group, that the protesters went too far when they damaged the building.
“Speech is protected by the First Amendment. Vandalism is prosecuted under the penal code,” Rosen said.
National Context
Protests spread across university campuses in 2024, with students setting up encampments and demanding their universities stop doing business with Israel or companies that support its war efforts against Gaza. About 3,200 people were arrested nationwide. Some colleges ended demonstrations by striking deals with students or waiting them out; others called in police when protesters refused to leave. Most charges were dismissed.