Eleven Charged with $400K Vandalism at CWRU

Eleven pro-Palestinian protesters were indicted for vandalism at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) that resulted in $400,000 in damages last November. The charges include felony counts of breaking and entering, vandalism, and possessing criminal tools, with the group facing potential prison time. Prosecutors allege the protesters entered the campus in the early hours and defaced buildings with red paint, an act they claim crossed the line from peaceful protest to criminal behavior. In contrast, student activists argue that the university's response is a politically motivated attempt to silence pro-Palestinian advocacy. CWRU President Eric Kaler has been accused of aggressively punishing activists, raising concerns about the university's commitment to diverse political expression. The university has refrained from further comment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings.