Trial begins for Stanford students who occupied university offices

Five current and former Stanford students pleaded not guilty as a trial opened over a June 5, 2024 occupation of the university president’s offices; authorities initially arrested 12 people and the university is seeking about $329,000 in restitution.

A trial opened for five current and former Stanford students who occupied the university president’s offices during a pro-Palestinian protest on June 5, 2024. Authorities had initially arrested 12 people after demonstrators barricaded themselves inside the president and provost’s offices on the last day of spring classes. Prosecutors allege the demonstrators damaged office property and the university is seeking about $329,000 in restitution. One defendant previously pleaded no contest under a youth diversion agreement and testified for the prosecution, while several others accepted pretrial plea deals or diversion programs. Noted developments: - The five defendants on trial pleaded not guilty and are exercising their right to a jury trial. - Authorities originally arrested 12 people following the June 5, 2024 occupation of administrative offices. - Prosecutors say the occupation involved damage to university offices; Stanford is seeking roughly $329,000 in restitution. - One participant earlier pleaded no contest under a youth diversion agreement and testified for the prosecution. - Several other defendants accepted pretrial plea deals or diversion programs, and a grand jury returned indictments in October. Summary: The trial focuses on the June 2024 occupation that led to arrests and grand jury indictments. The five defendants are currently standing trial after pleading not guilty, and the court will hear evidence and testimony during the proceedings; the ultimate outcome is undetermined at this time.