54 years ago, police, Portland State protesters clashed in ‘pivotal’ year for school

Michaela Bourgeois
·4 min read
4

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Nearly 54 years ago, a “pivotal” year unfolded for Portland State University, as protesters against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings were stormed by police, leaving dozens injured.

In May 1970, protesters at Portland State joined nationwide protests sparked by two events: President Richard Nixon expanding the Vietnam War into Cambodia, and the Ohio National Guard’s deadly shooting of 4 Kent State students at an antiwar rally at the school.

After the Kent State incident, hundreds of PSU students boycotted classes, and barricaded streets in the Park Blocks to create a “‘liberated zone'” where protesters camped, as reported by Portland State Magazine.

Protests continue after PSU library cleared, 12 arrest, 4 students

After a week of demonstrations around the university, protesters agreed to take down the camps on May 11 and started to disperse when Mayor Terry Schrunk’s Tactical Operations Platoon “came in with batons to push them out faster, beating protesters who refused to give way,” according to Portland State Magazine.

  • Protesters at Portland State University in May 1970 protesting the Vietnam War and Kent State killings (Courtesy Dana E. Olsen.)
    Protesters at Portland State University in May 1970 protesting the Vietnam War and Kent State killings (Courtesy Dana E. Olsen.)
  • On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
    On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
  • On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
    On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
  • On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
    On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
  • On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
    On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
  • On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
    On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
  • On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)
    On May 11, 1970, police clashed with protesters at Portland State University against the Vietnam War and Kent State killings. The clash led 27 protesters and four officers to be hospitalized, according to PSU. (Courtesy Portland State Magazine/Craig Hickman.)

“Portland officials ignored a City-authorized permit and dispatched riot police to the Park Blocks to take down the strikers’ hospital tent. When, in an act of non-violent civil disobedience, more than a hundred students and faculty defied an order to disperse, they were violently attacked, leaving 31 injured,” according to PSU, adding, 27 protesters and four officers were hospitalized.

The following day, strikers and their opponents, a group of “four thousand strong,” marched in protest to City Hall.

VIDEO: Protesters flee library as police make arrests at Portland State University

PSU students documented the protest in the award-winning documentary “The Seventh Day,” showcasing the protests around campus and the police clash.

Portland State University students documented a protest on campus — including the moment protesters were stormed by police — in the award-winning documentary “The Seventh Day,” showing demonstrations against the Vietnam War and Kent State Killings in 1970 (Courtesy Portland State University.)
Portland State University students documented a protest on campus — including the moment protesters were stormed by police — in the award-winning documentary “The Seventh Day,” showing demonstrations against the Vietnam War and Kent State Killings in 1970 (Courtesy Portland State University.)

“The clash thrust PSU into the national spotlight and shaped the campus in ways still seen and felt 50 years later,” Portland State Magazine said. “It was the most visible event in what was a pivotal year in PSU history, thanks to students who raised their voices together at the right time and place. They helped transform the campus from a quiet commuter school into a hot spot for social change and academic opportunity.”

Joining again in nationwide protests, Portland State University students began demonstrations, including encampments on campus, on April 25, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

On Thursday, KOIN 6 News video captured the moment protesters fled PSU’s Millar library, occupied by another group of protesters since Monday — as Portland police arrived in riot gear, armed with 40mm “less lethal” launchers.

After shutting down campus on Thursday, PSU released a statement, noting, “Portland State University is grateful for the assistance of the Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police, Gov. Tina Kotek, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Chief Bob Day for their partnership. What we’ve seen take place so far on the Park Blocks, while distressing to see, has been peaceful and calm overall, which is an immense relief. The safety and well being of our campus community is our top priority.”

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