UC regents safely leave UCLA campus after vote to raise student fees

UC regents leave UCLA campus by police escort

LOS ANGELES — University of California regents have left a UCLA building where protesters, angry over a hefty student fee increase, earlier linked arms to block the exits.

University spokesman Phil Hampton says regents safely left the campus Thursday by police escort after the regents approved the 32 percent increase.

Hampton said much of the crowd had dispersed by mid-afternoon.

Hundreds of protesters have marched at the campus for the past two days to oppose $2,500 in undergraduate fee hikes through fall of next year.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Some University of California regents who approved a student fee increase are trapped inside a UCLA building as protesters block the exits.

The demonstrators are being confronted Thursday by lines of baton-wielding campus police, California Highway Patrol officers and metal barriers.

University spokesman Phil Hampton says chains of demonstrators have linked arms to block the exits. One person inside the building says the regents have been held there for two hours. It is unclear how many remain inside.

Hampton says he can’t confirm any injuries, although television footage shows one person was treated after being sprayed by an unknown substance.

Hundreds of protesters have marched at the campus for the past two days to oppose $2,500 in undergrad fee hikes through fall of next year.