Police at the University of California, Los Angeles, successfully prevented pro-Palestinian demonstrators from establishing a new encampment on campus. This action followed the clearing of a previous camp earlier this spring, which had been attacked by counterprotesters. During the recent demonstration, 27 individuals were arrested for willful disruption of university operations and one for interfering with an officer. They were subsequently issued 14-day orders to stay away from UCLA.
Any student arrested may face disciplinary action, including potential bans from campus, inability to take finals, or participate in commencement ceremonies. The demonstrators repeatedly attempted to set up tents, canopies, and barriers, disrupting nearby final exams. Additionally, they caused damage to university property, including a fountain, brick walkways, fire safety equipment, patio furniture, electrical fixtures, and vehicles.
Violence also occurred during the protest, resulting in six UCLA police officers being injured and a security guard being struck and left bleeding from the head. The university's associate vice chancellor for campus safety condemned these acts of non-peaceful protest, emphasizing that such behavior cannot be tolerated.
Protest camps have emerged on university campuses in the U.S. and Europe as students call for an end to their institutions' ties with Israel or companies supporting its military actions. The demonstrators aim to raise awareness about what they perceive as a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza due to Israel's conflict with Hamas.
UCLA has faced ongoing challenges related to protests and campus safety. Previous incidents, including an attack on a pro-Palestinian encampment by counterprotesters, led to multiple arrests and administrative changes within the campus police department. Despite these past events, the university continues to grapple with demonstrations and disruptions.
The recent protest coincided with the upcoming meeting of University of California regents at UCLA and the university's commencement ceremonies scheduled for the weekend.
