Stanford: Pro-Palestinian demonstrators who occupied Stanford building are charged with felonies
CNNAPR 18
Pro-Palestine Protesters at Stanford Charged With Felonies
Above: Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen speaks during a press conference on the break-in and vandalism at Stanford University, in San Jose, California, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Image copyright: Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle/Contributor via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
There is a difference between protest and vandalism and destruction of property. These individuals clearly crossed the line into criminal activity when they broke into offices and carried out a calculated plan of destruction. It is right that they face criminal liability.
Establishment-critical narrative
While it's agreed that protest should not cross the line into criminal activity, the American system has done a very poor job educating young people on what is politically protected speech and what is unlawful.