UC Davis Student Protesters Steer Clear Of Board Of Regents Meeting
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Dozens of students camped out in Chancellor Linda Katehi's office for almost two months, taking a stand against practices they felt were bad for students.
The UC Board of Regents meeting wrapped up Thursday, and protesters were nowhere to be seen.
Protesters say they are taking a break to focus on midterms.
"UC students have huge schedules so when we dedicated this time to the "Fire Katehi" movement we were taking a great risk not only to our health, but to our grades as well so we are choosing our battles wisely," says Eddie Suboh, a protester who is heavily involved in the movement calling to oust Katehi from her position as Chancellor at UC Davis.
Dozens of student protesters say they sacrificed their grades and education for almost two months, in their fight to bring transparency to UC Davis.
Their last gathering was at the end of April, before midterms began.
"We want to see her fired, we don't want to see her just be put back in the chancellor position after being out on leave," said another student protester.
Katehi was placed on administrative leave two weeks ago.
This week, the UC Board of Regents met at the Sacramento Convention Center to discuss a variety of topics, including Katehi.
President Janet Napolitano finally publicly addressed the scandal saying, "I'd like to assure the Davis faculty, students, staff -- the forward momentum of the Davis campus will continue and the campus has all of our support."
With heavy law enforcement presence lining the convention center for the regents' meeting, protesters decided to hold back.
"It's a very dangerous place for students -- people get arrested, people get guns pointed at them."
Katehi's supporters took the opportunity to make sure their voices were heard.
"I'm here today to support my chancellor, Linda Katehi," said one professor.
"For the first time in the history of this wonderful institution, we have seen one employee being tried in the court of public opinion."
Katehi has been placed on leave for 90 days, pending an outside investigation.
Protesters say they are planning another rally once midterms are over.
