The trial has begun for five current and former Stanford University students who occupied the university president's offices during a pro-Palestinian protest in 2024. The demonstration, which took place on the last day of spring classes, led to the arrest and charging of twelve individuals, with accusations including vandalism, conspiracy to trespass, and significant property damage. While most of those charged accepted plea deals or diversion programs, five students have pleaded not guilty and are now facing a jury trial. The university is seeking restitution for damages estimated at over three hundred thousand dollars, and the case stands out as one of the few from the wave of campus protests that year to proceed to trial.

Prosecutors allege the group spray-painted the building, broke windows and furniture, disabled security cameras, and splattered fake blood throughout the offices. Defense attorneys argue that the students are exercising their constitutional rights and insist that the prosecution must prove intent and planning behind the actions. The trial comes amid a broader context of nationwide campus protests, most of which resulted in dismissed charges, making this case a notable exception.