Photo by Madelaine Brown
Written by Timothy Walker
On April 10, a federal jury acquitted CI math and philosophy professor Jonathan Caravello after roughly two hours of deliberation, ending a case that had placed him at risk of up to 20 years in prison.
Caravello had been charged with assaulting federal agents during a protest at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, California. Prosecutors argued he threw a tear gas canister at officers, while the defense maintained he was attempting to move it away from protesters during a chaotic confrontation.
The case drew significant attention both on and off campus. Caravello, known among students as a passionate lecturer with a strong presence, has also built a reputation for supporting student activists to organize and amplify their voices. Some students and faculty said the case extended beyond one individual, becoming a broader moment about community response and the role of faculty in public life.
In the months following his arrest, the California Faculty Association, Students for Quality Education, and dozens of student, labor and community organizations mobilized immediately in support of Caravello. Demonstrations were held on and off campus, reflecting a largely supportive student community response. At the same time, some critics argued that the university should remain separate from political activity, contributing to ongoing tensions about the place of activism within academic spaces.
Caravello has spoken publicly throughout the case, and is expected to continue addressing the events surrounding his arrest and trial. He is scheduled to participate in an upcoming interview with The CI View, where he will further discuss the case and its impact.
