On the 341st day of the longest urban tree-sit in US history, the University of California at Berkeley in a premature act constructed a second fence around peaceful protesters. An act which the university claims is necessary to secure the site they need to remove the sitters. This act which blocks the protesters from supplies, including food and water is a violation of human rights and Free speech. The building of the second fence not only increases the Guantanamo like conditions of the tree-sit but also throws mud in the face of Judge Barbara Miller’s decision; which has not yet been finalized.

The university’s action has historical grounds in that the University of California at Berkeley was established celebrating the “west ward movement of the Empire.” This “movement” was the genocide of Native Americans across this continent. During the Gold Rush, California natives suffered the due to the violence of pioneers’ who had not made it in the rivers sifting for gold and were earning money through the scalps of Native Californian men, women, and children. In a 2 year period 100,000 California Natives were murdered in a state supported genocide.

The Phoebe Hearst museum represents the genocidal essence of this country and the continued disrespect of indigenous people. To the date the Hearst museum basement houses 13,000 remains of indigenous people especially Native Americans. Even in their own Environmental Impact Report they admit finding 18 Native American remains.

It is not a surprise that this institution is continuing in its historical pattern; by continuing to desecrate a Native burial ground. In spite of federal law which states that it is illegal to disturb a burial ground, the University is planning to build a “high performance” sports facility on this site.

This sports facility would not only destroy this sacred site but it would destroy a war memorial. Some of the trees at the Oak grove were planted in 1923 to commemorate veterans of World War I. California law states that it is illegal to destroy a war memorial. These trees have grown and matured and today they are, according to the city of Berkeley, considered old growth. In the city of Berkeley it is illegal to cut old growth; those trees which are 16 or more inches in diameter.

This university is working with impunity, working as they are above all law, federal, state, and city laws—and common sense.

Stop the Construction.

Stop the Destruction.

Protect Sacred Sites.

Zachary RunningWolf

Marcella Sadlowski