UCSD cancels Sun God Festival as 'Gaza Solidarity' camp enters third day

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — UC San Diego officials abruptly cancelled the Sun God Festival a mere days before it was set to take place due to the "Gaza Solidarity" encampment, marking the third time ever that the annual event has not gone on as planned in its 40 year history.

In a statement Thursday night, Maureen Harrigan, interim vice chancellor for resource management and planning, said the decision was made over concerns about campus security resources being stretched thin between the festival and the protest outside Geisel Library.

"Due to ongoing protest activity adjacent to Library Walk, our campus security resources that would otherwise be available to ensure the safety and security of the people participating in Sun God must be deployed elsewhere to support the overall security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors," Harrigan said.

"We know that this event is a beloved campus tradition and understand the disappointment that this decision causes for many," Harrigan continued.

The annual festival has been a staple of the campus culture since the mid-1980s. According to the Associated Students, the event was expected to draw upwards of 6,000 to 8,000 students and alumni this year, and cost about $1 million to put on.

It was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at RIMAC Field, which is located on the northwestern side of campus.

The encampment was erected along Library Walk Wednesday afternoon, featuring two dozen tents, canopies, tables and prayer mats. Those who camped out at the site on Thursday told FOX 5/KUSI that their plan is to stay for as long as possible or until their demands are heard.

This includes asks of the university administration to "affirm Palestinians’ right to life and safety,” cut financial and academic ties with Israel, and call for an immediate cease-fire in the fighting, which they describe as an unfolding genocide against Palestinians.

The demands echo those of other camp sites that have been erected at dozens of college campuses across the country over the last few weeks, including Columbia University, University of Southern California and UC Los Angeles.

Campus police have been at the UCSD site since it was set up, although no attempts to dismantle it have been made.

In a statement on Wednesday, however, UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla alluded to possible action against the encampment, saying that the site is “in violation of campus policy.” He added that students could be met with sanctions, such as suspension or legal action.

Although he added that the university “fully supports the right to peacefully protest and express views on campus.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.