Embattled UC Davis Chancellor Surprises Protesters On Campus And Is Turned Away

DAVIS(CBS13)  - More tension on the campus of UC Davis this afternoon as embattled UC Davis Chancellor was turned away by Occupy UC Davis protesters who refuse to let her speak during the group's planned meeting.

The Occupy UC Davis group spent their first night camping in the quad since last Friday whenUniversityofCalifornia,Davispolice used pepper spray on seated protesters in a conflict that has sparked outrage and calls for the Chancellor's  resignation. 

Protesters were holding a general meeting on campus just before noon when Chancellor Linda Katehi arrived hoping for a chance to speak with them.

While some protesters wanted to hear what Katehi had to say,  Occupy UC Davis leaders decided against letting her speak saying it was against meeting regulations and guidelines.   

University officials and campus police have been the target of angry reprisals since CBS13 cameras and some students captured video of riot police dousing pepper spray on a row of students while they were sitting passively on the ground with their arms linked.

>> CBS13 news photographer witnesses pepper spraying

Katehi, however, did speak to the media before leaving campus saying again that she condemned the pepper spraying of the students. 

CBS13's Nick Janes asked Katehi if the incident was, as she said a 'horrible mistake', is it horrible enough that she should resign?

"It's well, I don't think so.  I think the university's point has a tremendous need to move forward," answered Katehi. "We need to come together as an institution and work together to make many changes."

"Who then is held responsible?" asked Janes.

"We have three investigations going on at present and ours will come by beginning of January," said Katehi. "So you will see, at least I think there are a number of changes that need to be made."

Katehi did say that if any of those investigations come back showing that the officers used excessive force that will be held accountable.  As she put it, the Lieutenant who actually gave the order to use the pepper spray will be penalized.

The UC Davis Police Chief and two officers involved in the pepper spraying have been put on paid administrative leave during the investigations.

Katehi will have another chance to speak with students and protesters tonight.  UC Davis student leaders are holding a Town Hall meeting tonight from 5:00 p.m. to 6:0o pm on campus at Freeborn Hall.