First-ever Violent Protest At UCLA, by Pro-Palestinians

 

UCLA vice-chancellor Mary Osako addressed the media, recounting a protest on campus sparked by the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Such demonstrations have occurred at universities nationwide, though UCLA is renowned for peaceful assembly.

Osako explained that barriers were installed to separate factions, but protesters broke through and entered campus while shouting slogans and vandalizing buildings. Campus police managed to control the situation using batons to separate groups, making no arrests. The Los Angeles police were not present.

Organizations like the Harriet Tubman Center and Stand in Support of Jewish Students partnered with the Israeli-American Council. They aimed to oppose hatred and antisemitism on campus while protecting student rights.

As the conflict fails to attract attention, students across the U.S. have increasingly demonstrated. Many arrests were made at Columbia, Washington, California, Texas, Atlanta, and Boston universities.

After much hardship and arrests, U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged the situation. His national security spokesman said Biden expresses sensitivity, condemns hate speech, and recognizes Americans’ deep sentiment toward the Gaza war.