12 US Bank Protestors to be Booked on Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor charges have been filed against 12 people connected to the on-campus U.S. Bank protests, according to an email circulated among UC Davis administration Thursday evening. The protests were part of an effort to get US Bank off campus, which is eventually what happened. 

We have a call out to the Yolo County District Attorney's Office and will update when we have more information. Here's the email: 

Yolo Co. D.A's office public information rep has confirmed that misdemeanor charges have been filed against 12 individuals in connection with the U.S. Bank protests. Letters are in the mail.

"The Yolo County District Attorney's office has notified UC Davis that the D.A.'s office today mailed letters to 12 individuals, ordering them to appear for booking at the Yolo County Jail and then to appear at a later date for arraignment in Yolo County Superior Court on misdemeanor charges related to their alleged activities earlier this year at the U.S. Bank branch at UC Davis.

Starting in January of this year, these individuals frequently obstructed access to the bank branch, located in the Memorial Union at UC Davis. The bank chose to close during many of these events, and, in a recent letter to account holders, announced the campus branch to be "officially closed" as of Feb. 28.

• Like Davis Patch on Facebook
• Follow on Twitter
• Get Free Newsletter

Background

Protestors within the Occupy UC Davis movement repeatedly gathered in front of the U.S. Bank on Campus last month. In the end, this led to the bank closing down and the branch and leaving.

The Davis Vanguard criticized U.S. Bank's move, calling it “weak,” whereas other responses (like the pepper spray incident) have been too strong. He says the UC needs to strike a balance, however difficult that may be. 

The protestors have claimed this as a victory. They released this statement a couple of weeks ago:

The bank blockade was an autonomous action from individuals within Occupy Uc Davis. The blockade of the US Bank is part of a history of the student struggle against the privatization of public universities and international austerity. Days like November 18th may become infamous in the public eye, but the blockade of the US Bank was a real battle against the privatization agenda, and its closure is a victory. Every step away from capital in our education is a step toward freedom.

Our struggle is an international struggle, from Cairo to Greece, Oakland to Davis.

This is not enough, this is not the end
In Solidarity