Dean Kenney handed down the charges to the Berkeley 3. Mr. Shingavi and Ms. Odes both face 20 hours of community service and a letter of reprimand. It's Mr. Smith's sentence that's raising eyebrows-- he gets 30 hours of community service and a suspension.. UNLESS he completes an 'anger management class' at the Tang Center. Then he gets a letter of reprimand.. PROBABLY.

I'm surprised that the University went after these three. They didn't occupy Wheeler, disrupting classes and bothering students, they occupied Sproul, both a traditional target and an Administrative building. They announced in advance their intention to do so; they even met with Administration people in advance. Prosecuting the ringleaders make it pretty obvious this is a political prosecution, additionally. Even given the silliness of the protest-- declare Iraq U a sister school? -- and the eye-rolling 'spontaneous' walkout from their trial... I don't see how this really violates any educational mission. So what's the point?Email This Post!