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UC Davis Use of Pepper Spray "What Actually Happened" Nov 18th 2011
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On Friday, Nov. 18, UC Davis police officers pepper-sprayed a group of Occupy Wall Street protesters who had refused orders to clear a path. The conditions surrounding the incident, most notably the fact that the students were sitting down and were not actively engaged in belligerent conduct, have been a source for massive backlash. Police officials, however, have defended their actions by stating that the protesters had encircled the many police officers. UC Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza and two officers who had reportedly used pepper spray on the crowd were subsequently placed on administrative leave. The incident occurred in the midst of protests that had lasted for an entire week. The nature of university and police response towards the protesters, however, had shifted once students began to set up tents and stay overnight. Prompted by this violation of campus policy, UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi authorized police intervention to remove the encampments. Reports indicate that most of the tents were taken down by the protesters themselves but that some students—including those who were pepper-sprayed—had refused to disperse. How does this happen?Ready for a new career?
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