I see two theories as to why the Administration cracked down so hard on SJP, and a prime piece of evidence is missing that would decide matters.

The first is my current favorite: that the University was backed into a corner and decided to make a stand on the 'Don't Touch Classes' policy. Pressure from Faculty, the Media, and the Regents were the prime reason Berdahl felt he needed to make an example.

The second is SJP's own: that this presages a new regime of harsh crackdowns on dissent. The Administration decided to use the figleaf of Wheeler's occupation to remove the biggest troublemakers from Sproul.

What's missing is this: how did the District Attorney get involved in all this? He's been both vocal and harsh in pushing for prosecutions. (I mean, a possible 6 months in Jail for standing in Wheeler for four hours? That's crazy.)

So did the DA decide on his own to prosecute? Did the Administration have a hand in pressing for court trials? How does the Administration feel about possible jail time resulting from all this? Answer these questions and the picture will clear up quite a bit.Email This Post!