Stanford protesters plead not guilty to vandalism charges stemming from pro-Palestine demonstration

Eight of the "Stanford Eleven" pro-Palestine demonstrators on Monday pleaded not guilty to felony vandalism charges after they were arraigned on new charges brought by a federal grand jury.

All 11 Stanford demonstrators were arraigned in federal court, but three were instructed to enter their pleas next week. The group of demonstrators, which includes eight current Stanford students, will stand trial on Nov. 17.

The charges stem from an occupation in and vandalism of the Stanford University president’s office last year. The protest occurred on the last day of classes of the Spring 2024 semester. 

The group has been accused of spray-painting the building, breaking windows and furniture, disabling security cameras and splattering a red liquid on items in the building, NBC Bay Area reported. 

The 11 demonstrators were previously charged in April with felony vandalism and felony conspiracy to trespass and pleaded not guilty. But prosecutors took the case to a grand jury after preliminary hearings were delayed for months.

A 21-year-old student was also charged for his alleged role in the protest, but pleaded no contest last month as part of an agreement that allows his case to be dismissed if he completes probation without additional legal issues. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.