University of California Bans Encampments, Face Masks

The policies, which come after 10 months of campus protests sparked by the Gaza war, also ban unauthorized structures, and place restrictions on free movement.

Student protesters set up at the intersection of Campus Drive and W. Peltason Drive near the University of California–Irvine in Irvine, Calif., on April 29, 2024. Rudy Blalock/The Epoch Times

The president of the University of California (UC) said on Aug. 19 that the 10-campus university system would enforce policies banning encampments and the wearing of masks to conceal identity in response to pro-Palestinian protests across the country.

In a letter to the university community, UC President Michael V Drake said that his office and campus leaders have reflected on “the events of the past year” and sought ways to strengthen policies and procedures.