2024 University of California, Los Angeles pro-Palestinian campus occupation
{{short description|2024 occupation protest in Los Angeles, California}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
| place = Los Angeles, California, United States
| title = 2024 UCLA pro-Palestinian campus occupation
| partof = the 2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses
| image = UCLAencampment.jpg
| caption = The UCLA Palestine Solidarity Encampment on April 27, 2024
| date = April 25 – May 2, 2024
(8 days)
| side1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of Palestine.svg}} Pro-Palestinian groups:
- Palestine Solidarity Encampment
- UC Divest Coalition
- Students for Justice in Palestine
- Jewish Voice for Peace
- IfNotNow
- Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice
| side2 = Law enforcement:
- {{flagicon image|Flag of the Los Angeles Police Department.png}} Los Angeles Police Department
- {{flagicon image|Flag of the California Highway Patrol.svg}} California Highway Patrol
- 20px University of California Police Department
----
{{flagicon image|Flag of Israel.svg}} Pro-Israel groups:
- StandWithUs
- Israeli-American Council
- United Jewish Coalition
| causes = * Gaza war
- Anti-Zionism
- Opposition to UCLA's investments in Israel
| methods = {{flatlist|
}}
| goals = * UCLA's divestment from Israel
- UCLA's call for a ceasefire
- Academic boycott of Israel
| status = Protestors suppressed:
- LAPD raids encampment on May 2 and clears the area
- Participants arrested and suspended
| result =
| injuries = 15-25+ protesters (at least one hospitalized){{cite news |last=Clayton |first=Abené |title=The morning after police crackdown on a UCLA protest camp: 'A lot of us are struggling' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/02/ucla-los-angeles-campus-violence-protests |work=The Guardian |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502224834/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/02/ucla-los-angeles-campus-violence-protests |url-status=live }} and 4 reporters by counter-protesters, Multiple protesters injured by rubber bullets fire by police
}}
On April 25, 2024, a student protest began at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to protest the administration's investments in Israel. The occupation, self-titled as the 'Palestine Solidarity Encampment', was a part of pro-Palestine protests on university campuses campaigning for divestment from Israel. The encampment was attacked multiple times by counter protestors, leading to clashes.{{cite news |last1=Swanson |first1=David |date=May 1, 2024 |title=UCLA campus protests over Gaza war erupt into violent clashes between rival groups |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/police-move-quell-clashes-los-angeles-pro-palestinian-campus-protest-2024-05-01/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Reuters |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512151957/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/police-move-quell-clashes-los-angeles-pro-palestinian-campus-protest-2024-05-01/ |url-status=live }} On May 2, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) raided and dismantled the encampment, arresting the protestors and ending the occupation.
Background
On April 17, pro-Palestinian protestors at Columbia University began an occupation protest on its campus to protest Columbia's investments in Israel amid the Gaza war. The protest, as well as its forced dismantling (when university president Minouche Shafik authorized the New York City Police Department to storm the campus and conduct mass arrests) sparked a series of nationwide protests and encampments for divestment.{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Brooke |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Columbia University students galvanise worldwide pro-Palestinian demonstrations |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/columbia-students-inspire-worldwide-pro-palestinian-protests |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=newarab.com |publisher=New Arab |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430194252/https://www.newarab.com/news/columbia-students-inspire-worldwide-pro-palestinian-protests |url-status=live }}
Protesters have alleged that UCLA invests in organizations that do business either in, or with, Israel.{{cite web |title=Student organizations host rally demanding UCLA's divestment from Israel |url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/02/08/student-organizations-host-rally-demanding-uclas-divestment-from-israel |website=dailybruin.com |publisher=Daily Bruin |access-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430194252/https://dailybruin.com/2024/02/08/student-organizations-host-rally-demanding-uclas-divestment-from-israel |url-status=live }} The protestors gave BlackRock as an example of such a company that does business in Israel which they believe is part of UCLA's investment portfolio.{{cite web |last=Mendez |first=David |date=April 26, 2024 |title=Peace holds at UCLA pro-Palestinian protest despite tensions |url=https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/04/26/ucla-pro-palestinian-campus-protest |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=ny1.com |publisher=New York 1 |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430194252/https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/04/26/ucla-pro-palestinian-campus-protest |url-status=live }}
Occupation
{{multiple image
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| image1 = Royce picture.png
| alt1 =
| link1 = File:Royce picture.png
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| image2 = Quad pic12.png
| link2 = File:Quad pic12.png
| image3 = Poster from the May 1st UCLA Gaza Solidary Encampment, Royce Hall.jpg
| link3 = File:Poster from the May 1st UCLA Gaza Solidary Encampment, Royce Hall.jpg
| footer_background =
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| footer = The student encampment in the plaza between Royce Hall and Powell Library. Left: View from the center of the plaza towards Royce Hall, Center: View from Royce Hall with Powell Library in the background, Right: Closeup of graffiti and posters at Royce Hall.}}
=April 25=
On April 25, students and faculty set up the encampment. They released a list of demands, including UCLA's divestment from companies that profit off the Gaza war, a disclosure of where the UC system is investing tuition money, the UC system to cut ties with city police departments who police student activism, an end to academic collaboration with institutions that are profiting and collaborating with Israel, and an immediate and permanent ceasefire.{{Cite web |last=Sievertson |first=Makenna |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Pro-Palestinian Protesters At UCLA Build Encampment After Arrests At Similar USC Demonstration |url=https://laist.com/news/pro-palestinian-protesters-at-ucla-build-encampment |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=LAist |language=en |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430043627/https://laist.com/news/pro-palestinian-protesters-at-ucla-build-encampment |url-status=live }}
Protestors erected wooden barricades and displayed signs that included slogans such as "UCLA says Free Palestine" and "UC has blood on its hands." The 'Palestine Solidarity Encampment' group was set up, which includes the UC Divest Coalition, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace. IfNotNow was also present at the protests.{{cite web |last=Alsharif |first=Mirna |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at campuses as colleges crack down on encampments |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hundreds-palestinian-protesters-arrested-campuses-universities-crack-e-rcna149705 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=NBC News |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429023605/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hundreds-palestinian-protesters-arrested-campuses-universities-crack-e-rcna149705 |url-status=live }} The group posted online a list of demands for the administration, which includes divestment from Israel, calling for a ceasefire, and an academic boycott of Israel.
Members of pro-Israel groups included the Israeli American Council and United Jewish Coalition and other protestors in support of Israel surrounded the encampment.{{cite web |last1=Jeong |first1=Helen |last2=Cazares |first2=Christian |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Pro-Palestinian, pro-Israeli protesters support their respective causes at UCLA |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/pro-palestine-protesters-set-up-encampment-at-ucla/3397348/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=nbclosangeles.com |publisher=NBC Los Angeles |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427084428/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/pro-palestine-protesters-set-up-encampment-at-ucla/3397348/ |url-status=live }} Some minor skirmishes between protestors were reported.{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Jonathan |date=April 27, 2024 |title=Israel supporters counter protest pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/israel-supporters-counter-protest-pro-palestinian-encampment-at-ucla/3398847/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=nbclosangeles |publisher=NBC Los Angeles |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430200630/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/israel-supporters-counter-protest-pro-palestinian-encampment-at-ucla/3398847/ |url-status=live }}
= April 26–29 =
On April 26, the administration released a statement saying that it prioritized the safety of students and minimizing disruption, but also that it supported free expression on campus and was therefore not requesting law enforcement at that time.{{cite web |date=April 26, 2024 |title=UCLA statement about encampment on campus (April 26) |url=https://newsroom.ucla.edu/ucla-statement-about-encampment-on-campus-april-26 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=newsroom.ucla.edu |publisher=UCLA |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430200631/https://newsroom.ucla.edu/ucla-statement-about-encampment-on-campus-april-26 |url-status=live }} UCLA police patrolled the perimeter of the encampment.{{cite web |last1=Pollard |first1=James |last2=Casey |first2=Michael |date=April 27, 2024 |title=Anti-war protesters dig in as some schools close encampments after reports of antisemitic activity |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-campus-student-protests-war-2ab919ad849c50c9d177a32c0309bd1e |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=apnews.com |publisher=AP News |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429200213/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-campus-student-protests-war-2ab919ad849c50c9d177a32c0309bd1e |url-status=live }} Some Israeli and Jewish students said they felt uncomfortable. Pro-Palestinian protestors requested UCLA to not send in police. On April 27, pro-Israel counter-protestors raised more than $50,000 in three hours on GoFundMe to fund a screen and loudspeaker.{{cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Catherine |date=April 27, 2024 |title=Counter-protests of UCLA encampment raise over $50,000 on GoFundMe |url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/04/27/counter-protests-of-ucla-encampment-raise-over-50000-on-gofundme |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=dailybruin.com |publisher=Daily Bruin |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429163906/https://dailybruin.com/2024/04/27/counter-protests-of-ucla-encampment-raise-over-50000-on-gofundme |url-status=live }} Jessica Seinfeld, the wife of American comedian Jerry Seinfeld also posted on her social media account on Instagram that she had donated $5,000 to the counter-protestors.{{Cite news |date=April 30, 2024 |title=Jerry Seinfeld's Wife Donates $5,000 to Pro-Israel UCLA Rally |url=https://www.newsweek.com/jerry-seinfeld-wife-donates-pro-israel-ucla-rally-1895409#:~:text=Jerry%20Seinfeld's%20wife%2C%20Jessica%20Seinfeld,protest%20at%20UCLA%20on%20Sunday |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=Newsweek.com |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430073708/https://www.newsweek.com/jerry-seinfeld-wife-donates-pro-israel-ucla-rally-1895409#:~:text=Jerry%20Seinfeld's%20wife%2C%20Jessica%20Seinfeld,protest%20at%20UCLA%20on%20Sunday |url-status=live }}
On April 28, the administration created a physical barrier to separate dueling protestors. Later in the day, demonstrators broke through and a confrontation ensued. It was unclear what side broke through the barrier, and the administration condemned the violence.{{cite web |last=Salem |first=Iris |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Violence breaks out at dueling pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protests on UCLA campus |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/pro-israel-group-to-hold-counterdemonstration-on-ucla-campus/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=cbsnews.com |publisher=CBS News |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430070626/https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/pro-israel-group-to-hold-counterdemonstration-on-ucla-campus/ |url-status=live }} Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also clashed with police.{{cite web |title=Dueling Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Israel protests get heated at UCLA |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2024/04/28/dueling-pro-palestine-pro-israel-protests-get-heated-at-ucla/ |website=dailynews.com |date=April 28, 2024 |publisher=LA Daily News |access-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430050636/https://www.dailynews.com/2024/04/28/dueling-pro-palestine-pro-israel-protests-get-heated-at-ucla/ |url-status=live }} Members of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice held a solidarity demonstration with the pro-Palestinian protestors.
On April 29, faculty organized a walkout in solidarity with the protestors.{{cite web |last=Harter |first=Clara |date=April 29, 2024 |title=UCLA faculty walk out as pro-Palestine demonstrations, counterprotests grow across SoCal campuses |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2024/04/29/ucla-faculty-walk-out-as-pro-palestine-demonstrations-counterprotests-grow-across-socal-campuses/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=dailynews.com |publisher=LA Daily News |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429230929/https://www.dailynews.com/2024/04/29/ucla-faculty-walk-out-as-pro-palestine-demonstrations-counterprotests-grow-across-socal-campuses/ |url-status=live }} Pro-Palestinian protestors set up metal barricades and appointed guards to block access to counter-protestors and media. Counter-protestors shouted through microphones and played loud music in front of the encampment early in the day. Later, a group of around 60 counter-protestors tried to breach the encampment, which led to heavy clashes. Security and UC officers with riot gear briefly intervened to separate the protestors.{{cite web |last=Kurzweil |first=Tony |date=April 30, 2024 |title=Pro-Palestinian protesters, counter-protesters clash at UCLA |url=https://ktla.com/news/groups-clash-over-pro-palestinian-barrier-blocking-access-to-ucla/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=ktla.com |publisher=KTLA |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430203600/https://ktla.com/news/groups-clash-over-pro-palestinian-barrier-blocking-access-to-ucla/ |url-status=live }} During clashes, counter-protestors released mice at the encampment.{{Cite web |last=Flores |first=Jacqueline |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Mice on the Frontlines – UCLA protesters are thrown mice |url=https://coyotechronicle.net/csusb-community-news/mice-on-the-frontlines-ucla-protesters-are-thrown-mice/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=Coyote Chronicle |language=en-US |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501002030/https://coyotechronicle.net/csusb-community-news/mice-on-the-frontlines-ucla-protesters-are-thrown-mice/ |url-status=live }} In response to the attack, the Council on American–Islamic Relations called on UCLA administration to investigate it as a hate crime.{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2024 |title=UCLA campus protests: Pro-Palestinian camp attacked, classes canceled - Los Angeles Times |website=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-30/ucla-moves-to-shut-down-pro-palestinian-encampment-as-unlawful |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501173726/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-30/ucla-moves-to-shut-down-pro-palestinian-encampment-as-unlawful |archive-date=May 1, 2024 }}
=April 30=
File:Jail support information written on a protestor's arm in case of arrest.jpg
A brief altercation between campus security and a disabled man occurred when the man tried to walk through a pathway blocked by the protest. The man said he was aware of the demonstrations, but didn't know that major pathways were blocked.{{cite web |last=Kurzweil |first=Tony |date=April 30, 2024 |title=UCLA security stops man with crutch from passing protest encampment |url=https://ktla.com/news/local-news/ucla-security-stops-man-with-crutch-from-passing-protest-encampment/ |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=ktla.com |publisher=KTLA |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430203018/https://ktla.com/news/local-news/ucla-security-stops-man-with-crutch-from-passing-protest-encampment/ |url-status=live }} Later in the afternoon, the UCLA Chancellor Gene Block shared a message with the UCLA community addressing the situation, stating that UCLA was increasing security presence on campus, removing barriers established by the encampment, and that the "student conduct process has been initiated, and could lead to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion" for any UCLA faculty, staff or students involved.{{Cite web |last=Block |first=Gene |date=April 30, 2024 |title=Affirming our Values in a Challenging Time |url=https://chancellor.ucla.edu/messages/affirming-our-values-in-a-challenging-time/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=UCLA Chancellor |language=en-US |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501024923/https://chancellor.ucla.edu/messages/affirming-our-values-in-a-challenging-time/ |url-status=live }}
Video of a female Jewish student's bleeding head went viral.{{cite news |title='Jewish women too ugly to be raped', anti-Israel protester's hate caught on camera |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/jewish-women-too-ugly-to-be-raped-anti-israel-supporters-hate-caught-on-camera-101714533590321.html |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |agency=Hindustan Times |date=May 1, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501053830/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/jewish-women-too-ugly-to-be-raped-anti-israel-supporters-hate-caught-on-camera-101714533590321.html |url-status=live }}{{bcn|date=May 2024}} The student was admitted to the ER and is reported to be in stable condition. {{cite news |date=May 1, 2024 |title=On Camera, Anti-Israel Protester In Canada Says 'Jewish Women Too Ugly To Be Raped' |url=https://www.news18.com/world/videos-anti-israel-protester-says-jewish-women-too-ugly-to-be-raped-student-thrashed-in-campus-violence-8873366.html |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=CNN-News18 |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501173716/https://www.news18.com/world/videos-anti-israel-protester-says-jewish-women-too-ugly-to-be-raped-student-thrashed-in-campus-violence-8873366.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Dueling Gaza protests at UCLA draw hundreds as USC sees peaceful demonstration |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-28/gaza-ucla-usc-protests |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 28, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501003858/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-28/gaza-ucla-usc-protests |url-status=live }} The victim identified herself as Elinor Hess and claimed that she was shoved down when she reached to grab her flag, which fell down, and was kicked and pulled by the hair before she lost consciousness.{{cite news |title=Pro-Israel protester in LA says she was shoved to ground, hit her head and was kicked |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/pro-israel-protester-in-la-says-she-was-shoved-to-ground-hit-her-head-and-was-kicked/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501041556/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/pro-israel-protester-in-la-says-she-was-shoved-to-ground-hit-her-head-and-was-kicked/ |url-status=live }}
In an email to students, UCLA announced the extended closure of Powell Library and Royce Hall from 5:00{{nbsp}}pm Tuesday, April 30. The facilities are planned to reopen Monday, May 6. {{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
= May 1–2=
== Counter-protester attack ==
On May 1, around 10:50 PM, a pro-Israeli group attacked the pro-Palestinian protesters' camp for nearly four hours, attempting to breach the barricades surrounding the encampment.{{Cite web |last=Cota-Robles |first=Marc |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Clashes break out at UCLA amid dueling demonstrations |url=https://abc7.com/clashes-break-out-at-ucla-amid-dueling-demonstrations-between-pro-palestinian-and-pro-israeli-protesters/14749246/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=ABC7 Los Angeles |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501081825/https://abc7.com/clashes-break-out-at-ucla-amid-dueling-demonstrations-between-pro-palestinian-and-pro-israeli-protesters/14749246/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Ramirez-Simon |first1=Diana |title=Violence erupts at UCLA campus between rival Gaza protest groups |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/may/01/violence-erupts-ucla-university-campus-clashes-rival-gaza-protest-groups |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=May 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501101829/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/may/01/violence-erupts-ucla-university-campus-clashes-rival-gaza-protest-groups |url-status=live }} The attackers, reported to have come from outside campus,{{cite web |title=Outsiders left UCLA protesters beaten and bloody |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/us/video/ucla-campus-protests-lah-digvid |website=CNN |date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=18 May 2024}} carried Israeli flags and assaulted students with sticks, stones, poles, metal fencing, and pepper spray.{{cite news |title=UCLA clashes: Pro-Palestinian protesters attacked by Israel supporters |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/1/ucla-clashes-pro-palestinian-protesters-attacked-by-israel-supporters |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=Al Jazeera |date=May 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501120307/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/1/ucla-clashes-pro-palestinian-protesters-attacked-by-israel-supporters |url-status=live }} They played loud audio of a child crying, threw wood and a metal barrier into the camp, and threw at least six fireworks into the encampment, including one directly at a group of protesters carrying injured people.{{cite news |last1=Dani |first1=Anguiano |title=UCLA students describe violent attack on Gaza protest encampment: 'It was terrifying' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/may/01/ucla-campus-violence-protests |website=The Guardian |date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502000321/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/may/01/ucla-campus-violence-protests |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Watanabe |first1=Teresa |last2=Nazzal |first2=Safi |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Violence stuns UCLA as counter-protesters attack pro-Palestine camp |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-30/ucla-moves-to-shut-down-pro-palestinian-encampment-as-unlawful |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501030832/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-30/ucla-moves-to-shut-down-pro-palestinian-encampment-as-unlawful |url-status=live }}
A video investigation suggested pro-Palestinian protesters did not initiate any confrontation but acted in defense. The counter-protesters called for a "Second Nakba", referring to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in 1948, and played the Israeli national anthem and Harbu Darbu on loudspeakers during the attack.{{Cite web |last=Stieb |first=Matt |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Counterprotesters Shoot Fireworks Into UCLA Encampment |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/counterprotesters-shoot-fireworks-into-ucla-encampment.html |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=Intelligencer |language=en |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502195554/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/counterprotesters-shoot-fireworks-into-ucla-encampment.html |url-status=live }} According to The Guardian, counter-protesters included several far-right activists involved in anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-vaccine campaigning.{{Cite news |last=Winston |first=Ali |date=2024-05-10 |title=Why far-right groups are disrupting US campus protests: 'When there's so much attention, they show up' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/10/college-campus-protests-far-right |access-date=2024-05-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513202800/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/10/college-campus-protests-far-right |url-status=live }} The Boston Review reported that Zionist counter-protestors joined forces with white supremacists and Neo-Nazis, and that "One neo-Nazi was heard shouting, 'we’re here to finish what Hitler started,' without any apparent protest from the self-identified Zionists."{{Cite news |last=Kelley |first=Robin D. G. |date=2024-05-18 |title=UCLA's Unholy Alliance |url=https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/uclas-unholy-alliance/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |work=Boston Review |language=en-US |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527152618/https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/uclas-unholy-alliance/ |url-status=live }}
Security personnel hired by UCLA refused to intervene and stood aside during the attack. LAPD officers arrived by 1:45 AM but waited at least an hour before intervening.{{Cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Neil |last2=Erden |first2=Bora |last3=Hernandez |first3=Marco |last4=Jhaveri |first4=Ishaan |last5=Lajka |first5=Arijeta |last6=Reneau |first6=Natalie |last7=Rosales |first7=Helmuth |last8=Toler |first8=Aric |date=2024-05-03 |title=How Counterprotesters at U.C.L.A. Provoked Violence, Unchecked for Hours |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/03/us/ucla-protests-encampment-violence.html |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504182011/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/03/us/ucla-protests-encampment-violence.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Osgood |first1=Brian |title=Activists say UCLA Palestine encampment assault followed days of harassment |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/2/activists-say-ucla-palestine-encampment-assault-followed-days-of-harassment |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=8 May 2024 |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508015046/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/2/activists-say-ucla-palestine-encampment-assault-followed-days-of-harassment |url-status=live }} None of the counter-protesters were known to have been arrested by May 3, though UCLA was investigating the attackers with help from LAPD and FBI by May 7.{{Cite web |last=Winton |first=Richard |date=2024-05-07 |title=UCLA taps LAPD, district attorney, FBI in investigation of attack on pro-Palestinian camp |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-06/ucla-lapd-fbi-investigation-pro-palestinian-camp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507190405/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-06/ucla-lapd-fbi-investigation-pro-palestinian-camp |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Witnesses said the LAPD intervened after nearly four hours of attacks by the pro-Israel counter-demonstrators. One counter-protester said, "We were all waiting for the LAPD to show up and they never did".{{cite news |last1=Nicholas |first1=Bugel-Burroughs |title=A Chaotic Night at U.C.L.A. Raises Questions About Police Response |work=The New York Times |date=May 12, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/12/us/ucla-counterprotesters-police-response.html |access-date=13 May 2024 |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513041012/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/12/us/ucla-counterprotesters-police-response.html |url-status=live }} Both the LAPD and the university's hired security faced criticism for not protecting the encamped students.{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Regan |last2=Cabral |first2=Sam |title=UCLA clashes: Police criticised for 'delayed' response to violence |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68937775 |website=BBC |date=May 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501230640/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68937775 |url-status=live }} An Al Jazeera English correspondent on the scene reported, "There seems to be absolutely no police intervention whatsoever."{{cite web |last1=Reynolds |first1=Rob |title='Violent, vigilante attack' on pro-Palestine students at UCLA |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/5/1/israels-war-on-gaza-live-un-chiefs-warn-israel-against-assault-on-rafah?update=2871228 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507042553/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/5/1/israels-war-on-gaza-live-un-chiefs-warn-israel-against-assault-on-rafah?update=2871228 |url-status=live }}
Fifteen people were reported injured, including one who was hospitalized.{{Cite news |url=https://apnews.com/live/college-protests-Palestine-updates#0000018f-3644-d9cb-abff-3ff7bbca0000 |title=College protests live updates: UCLA cancels classes; 300 arrested in New York |website=Associated Press |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501131955/https://apnews.com/live/college-protests-palestine-updates#0000018f-3644-d9cb-abff-3ff7bbca0000 |url-status=live }} Student journalists for the Daily Bruin described being targeted by the counter-protesters and punched, kicked, and beaten.{{cite web |last1=Shalby |first1=Colleen |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Four UCLA student journalists attacked by pro-Israel counterprotesters on campus |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-01/four-student-journalists-attacked-by-counterprotesters-at-ucla |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502003401/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-01/four-student-journalists-attacked-by-counterprotesters-at-ucla |url-status=live }} It was reported that law enforcement did not track injuries related to the attack, but the encampments' organizers said that more than 150 students were "assaulted with pepper spray and bear mace" and that at least 25 were transported to local emergency rooms for fractures, severe lacerations, and chemical-induced injuries.{{Cite web |last1=Ellis |first1=Blake |last2=Hicken |first2=Melanie |last3=Gordon |first3=Allison |last4=Abou-Ghazala |first4=Yahya |last5=Steck |first5=Em |last6=Medina |first6=Daniel |last7=Lah |first7=Kyung |last8=Rappard |first8=Anna-Maja |date=2024-05-16 |title=Unmasking counterprotesters who attacked UCLA's pro-Palestine encampment |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/us/ucla-student-protests-counterprotesters-invs/index.html |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518140327/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/us/ucla-student-protests-counterprotesters-invs/index.html |url-status=live }}
On May 15, CNN identified a number of the violent counter-protesters, but UCLA police refused to comment on whether they would press charges.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/world/video/ucla-students-attacked-by-counter-protesters-lah-pkg-051603aseg2-cnni-u-s-fast |title=UCLA Student: I thought bloody counter-protests would lead to student deaths {{!}} CNN |date=2024-05-16 |last=Goodson |first=Jessie |language=en |access-date=2024-05-16 |via=www.cnn.com}} A report found one counter-protest group raised funds through GoFundMe, with Jessica Seinfeld and Bill Ackman donating $5,000 and $10,000, respectively.{{Cite news |last=Briquelet |first=Kate |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Jessica Seinfeld and Bill Ackman Fund Pro-Israel Counterprotests at Colleges |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/jessica-seinfeld-and-bill-ackman-fund-pro-israel-counterprotests-at-ucla |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240501220849/https://www.thedailybeast.com/jessica-seinfeld-and-bill-ackman-fund-pro-israel-counterprotests-at-ucla?ref=home%3Fref=home#selection-1325.21-1325.32 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=York |first=Josie Ensor, New |date=May 2, 2024 |title=Celebrities donate to pro-Israel counter-protests |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/celebrities-pro-israel-ucla-palestine-protests-w6xkq5dnz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503002435/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/celebrities-pro-israel-ucla-palestine-protests-w6xkq5dnz |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}
== Forced disbandment ==
In the evening, law enforcement in riot gear issued a dispersal order to over a thousand people who had gathered in support of the encampment, stating anyone who refused to leave could face arrest.{{cite web |last1=Offenhartz |first1=Jake |title=Tension grows on UCLA campus as police order dispersal of large pro-Palestinian gathering |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-campus-student-protests-war-c6e5549532c85f13493daa22d0d143ac |website=Associated Press |date=May 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501222829/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-campus-student-protests-war-c6e5549532c85f13493daa22d0d143ac |url-status=live }}
File:LAPD arresting student protestors.jpg arresting student protestors, May 2, 2024]]
Following the previous night's dispersal order, an estimated 200 to 400 students remained on campus.{{cite web |title=LAPD on tactical alert as some 200 students defy dispersal order |url=https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7614252#liveblog-body |website=Sky News |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502131031/https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7614252#liveblog-body |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Riot police dismantle peaceful pro-Palestinian protest at UCLA |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/2/tensions-high-at-ucla-as-police-order-pro-palestinian-protesters-to-leave |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=8 May 2024 |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508025857/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/2/tensions-high-at-ucla-as-police-order-pro-palestinian-protesters-to-leave |url-status=live }} At around 1:30 a.m. on May 2, LAPD officers broke into the encampment but were forced to retreat after they were outnumbered. After an hour, officers of the California Highway Patrol equipped in riot gear arrived at the campus to confront the protesters.{{cite news |title=Pro-Palestinian protesters remain at UCLA despite orders to leave |work=KABC-TV |date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |url=https://abc7.com/police-ucla-seek-to-disperse-pro-palestinian-protesters-as-crowd-grows/14753517/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502083630/https://abc7.com/police-ucla-seek-to-disperse-pro-palestinian-protesters-as-crowd-grows/14753517/ |url-status=live }} Police reportedly fired a stun grenade, surrounded the encampment from all four sides, and began tearing down its walls,{{cite web |title=Flashbang used as reports police enter encampment |url=https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7614608#liveblog-body |website=Sky News |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502131031/https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7614608#liveblog-body |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=LAPD tearing down pro-Palestine encampment |work=KTTV |date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |url=https://www.foxla.com/video/1449802 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502104251/https://www.foxla.com/video/1449802 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Police have surrounded encampment on all four sides |url=https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7615070#liveblog-body |website=Sky News |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502131025/https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7615070#liveblog-body |url-status=live }} arresting 210 protestors for failure to disperse,{{Cite web |last1=Cázares |first1=Christian |date=May 2, 2024 |title=210 people arrested from UCLA, police chief confirms |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/210-people-arrested-from-ucla-police-chief-confirms/3403435/ |access-date=August 14, 2024 |website=KNBC |language=en}} reportedly including at least one professor.{{cite web |title=What's happened so far? |url=https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7615509#liveblog-body |website=Sky News |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503002434/https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7615509#liveblog-body |url-status=live }} Police were seen firing rubber bullets at the student protestors{{cite web |title=Police shown firing rubber bullets at protesters |url=https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7615715#liveblog-body |website=Sky News |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502125959/https://news.sky.com/story/us-campus-protests-live-violent-clashes-erupt-on-ucla-campus-13126732?postid=7615715#liveblog-body |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Anna |date=May 2, 2024 |title=Police shoot at UCLA protesters as encampment cleared |url=https://www.newsweek.com/ucla-campus-protests-police-shoot-pro-palestinian-1896549 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Newsweek |language=en |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502125333/https://www.newsweek.com/ucla-campus-protests-police-shoot-pro-palestinian-1896549 |url-status=live }} and methodically dismantling the encampment, that was cleared by the morning.{{cite web |last1=Pearson |first1=Ryan |title=Police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash in tense scene at UCLA encampment |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-campus-student-protests-war-ec3f62c51c08599f8fcecd99f7cf9e33 |website=Associated Press |date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502203302/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-campus-student-protests-war-ec3f62c51c08599f8fcecd99f7cf9e33 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Valinksy |first1=Jordan |title=Police take control of UCLA encampment |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/university-protests-pro-palestinian-israel-05-02-24/h_c570e8b475c35a98416ffd2265969f78 |website=CNN |date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502132323/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/university-protests-pro-palestinian-israel-05-02-24/h_c570e8b475c35a98416ffd2265969f78 |url-status=live }}
Additional protests post-occupation
=May 6=
On the morning of Monday, May 6, UCPD arrested 44 pro-Palestine protestors, 35 of whom were students, in Parking Lot 2. Four of those arrested were previously arrested in the May 2 raid on the encampment. Police found "bolt cutters, super glue, padlocks and other items that indicated [that the protestors had] intended to vandalize and occupy a building on campus." 42 of the protestors were charged with "conspiracy to commit a crime" with the other two "for obstructing a peace officer"{{cite news|url=https://abc7.com/post/ucla-protesters-had-bolt-cutters-plan-for-violence-and-vandalism-police-say/14786865/|date=May 6, 2024|title=UCLA protesters equipped with heavy tools, planned to occupy building, police say|publisher=KABC-TV}}
In parallel, approximately 50 protestors staged a sit-in protest at Moore Hall. UCPD responded by closing the building, after which the protestors moved to Dodd Hall. The protestors then moved to Bruin Plaza to continue their protest.{{cite news |last1=Winward |first1=Dylan |title=Pro-Palestine protesters detained by police after calls for Moore Hall sit-in |url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/06/pro-palestine-protesters-detained-by-police-after-calls-for-moore-hall-sit-in |access-date=May 6, 2024 |work=Daily Bruin |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506164048/https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/06/pro-palestine-protesters-detained-by-police-after-calls-for-moore-hall-sit-in |url-status=live }} A person claiming to speak for behalf of the local chapter of the Students for Justice in Palestine group told the Daily Bruin that the group would not allow for business as usual to continue at the university, and they wanted to "disrupt the university’s finances".
On the same day, UAW Local 4811, the chapter representing over 48,000 University of California workers under the United Auto Workers union, issued an authorization to vote for a strike, with the vote scheduled to take place May 13 thru 15.{{cite news |last1=Royer |first1=Matthew |title=United Auto Workers Local 4811 announces strike authorization vote |url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/06/united-auto-workers-local-4811-announces-strike-authorization-vote |access-date=13 May 2024 |work=Daily Bruin |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513174349/https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/06/united-auto-workers-local-4811-announces-strike-authorization-vote |url-status=live }}
=May 23=
On the morning of May 23, the day that chancellor Block testified in front of the House Education Committee, a small group of protesters set up a small encampment on the patio of Kerckhoff Hall. The number of protesters eventually reached several hundreds within a few hours. In the early afternoon, the UCPD issued a dispersal order and the protestors voluntarily left, marching towards the administration building, Murphy Hall, where they were joined by several hundred other protestors. With security denying access to the protestors to Murphy Hall, the protestors crossed the street to Dodd Hall. Some protestors were able to enter Dodd Hall, where they barricaded themselves, with the rest of the protestors blocking access to the building. Some counter-protestors attempted to enter Dodd Hall, but were denied entry by the protestors. In the late afternoon, the protestors decided to leave voluntarily just prior to the police entering the building through a back entrance. No arrests were made, and there were no reports of injuries.{{cite news|title=Protesters occupy then vacate Dodd Hall following 2nd encampment dispersal at UCLA|date=May 23, 2024|url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/23/protesters-occupy-then-vacate-dodd-hall-following-2nd-encampment-dispersal-at-ucla|publisher=Daily Bruin|first1=Alexandra|last1=Crosnoe|first2=Gabrielle|last2=Gillette|archive-date=August 14, 2024|access-date=August 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814045758/https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/23/protesters-occupy-then-vacate-dodd-hall-following-2nd-encampment-dispersal-at-ucla|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url= https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-23/ucla-students-set-up-a-second-encampment-as-gene-block-testifies-before-congress|date= May 23, 2024|title= Police descend on UCLA after protesters erect new pro-Palestinian encampment|work= Los Angeles Times|first1= Hannah|last1= Fry|first2= Caroline|last2= Petrow-Cohen|first3= Connor|last3= Sheets|first4= Howard|last4= Blume|archive-date= August 14, 2024|access-date= August 14, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240814045758/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-23/ucla-students-set-up-a-second-encampment-as-gene-block-testifies-before-congress|url-status= live}}
=June 10=
Protesters set up an encampment at Dickson Plaza and dyed a nearby fountain red. Police arrested 25 people.{{cite web |last1=Rand |first1=Jory |title=Clashes break out between police, pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA |url=https://abc7.com/post/ucla-protest-pro-palestinian-demonstrators-set-tents-dye/14933796/ |website=ABC 7 |access-date=June 11, 2024 |date=June 11, 2024 |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611024455/https://abc7.com/post/ucla-protest-pro-palestinian-demonstrators-set-tents-dye/14933796/ |url-status=live }} Protesters had attempted to set up an encampment at Janns Steps.{{cite web |last1=Maglunog |first1=Tristan |last2=Shalvey |first2=Kevin |title=About 25 arrested at UCLA as group attempts to set up protest camp, university police say |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/25-arrested-ucla-group-attempts-set-protest-camp/story?id=111008556 |website=ABC News |access-date=16 June 2024}} When they were dispersed by police, they attempted to set up an encampment at Kerckhoff patio. After the police warned them again, they attempted to set up at Dodd Hall and the School of Law where police shot rubber bullets at them.{{Cite web |last=Lonas |first=Lexi |date=2024-06-11 |title=Gaza war protesters clash with police at new UCLA encampment |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4715568-gaza-war-student-protesters-police-ucla-encampment/ |website=The Hill |access-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612050809/https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4715568-gaza-war-student-protesters-police-ucla-encampment/ |url-status=live }}
= October 21=
On October 21, 2024 local chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine erected a Sukkah at Dickson Court to protest the Gaza war. Organizers had intended to keep the sukkah up for 7 days, commensurate with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot lasting 7 days.{{efn|In 2024, the Sukkot holiday began 5 days earlier, on October 16.[https://thesukkahstore.com/blogs/sukkot-help-resources/sukkot-2024-dates Sukkot 2024 Dates: Everything You Need to Know]}} Some protestors also set up tents around the sukkah. By nightfall, when the UCPD dispersed the protest, the encampment grew to 40 protestors with about 30 counter-protestors heckling the protestors. One person was arrested for failure to dispurse.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-10-21/ucla-police-dismantle-gaza-solidarity-sukkah-tents-order-protesters-to-disperse|title=One arrested as UCLA police dismantle ‘Gaza solidarity sukkah’ and disperse student protest|date=October 21, 2024|first=Clara |last=Harter| publisher=Los Angeles Times}}{{cite news|url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/10/23/ucpd-sweeps-gaza-solidarity-sukkah-in-dickson-court-one-protester-arrested|title=UCPD sweeps Gaza solidarity sukkah in Dickson Court, one protester arrested|publisher=Daily Bruin|first=Dylan|last=Winward|date=October 23, 2024|archive-date=November 27, 2024|access-date=October 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127021107/https://dailybruin.com/2024/10/23/ucpd-sweeps-gaza-solidarity-sukkah-in-dickson-court-one-protester-arrested|url-status=live}}
Responses
Following the attack on the encampment by Pro-Israel counter-protestors on May 1, California governor Gavin Newsom stated, "The limited and delayed campus law enforcement response at UCLA last night was unacceptable — and it demands answers".{{cite web |last1=Grimes |first1=Christopher |title=UCLA cancels classes as clashes over Gaza war spread across US campuses |url=https://www.ft.com/content/af53adb2-06c3-418e-bcc7-65fdff3bf722?shareType=nongift |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Financial Times |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502020604/https://www.ft.com/content/af53adb2-06c3-418e-bcc7-65fdff3bf722?shareType=nongift |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Noah |last2=Winton |first2=Richard |last3=Lin |first3=Summer |date=May 1, 2024 |title='Unacceptable': Why it took hours for police to quell attack at UCLA pro-Palestinian camp |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-01/why-did-it-take-police-so-long-to-end-the-violent-clashes-at-ucla |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501225313/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-01/why-did-it-take-police-so-long-to-end-the-violent-clashes-at-ucla |url-status=live }} Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement saying police had responded to a request from UCLA administration, later describing the violence as "abhorrent". Following the police storming of the encampment, U.S. president Joe Biden said he supported law enforcement, stating, "We’re a civil society and order must prevail".{{cite web |last1=Jack |first1=Andrew |title=Joe Biden denounces violent campus protests after police storm UCLA |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5dd4c6b6-0546-4ff8-b812-be6d4a675483?shareType=nongift |website=Financial Times |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503002501/https://www.ft.com/content/5dd4c6b6-0546-4ff8-b812-be6d4a675483?shareType=nongift |url-status=live }}
Criticizing Biden's rhetoric, Piper French wrote in The New York Review of Books that "Biden and university leaders like Block were calling this wave of campus protest violent not because it posed any inherent threat to anyone's safety but because they saw it as an intolerable provocation—one that might, in turn, require violence to quell."{{cite web |last1=French |first1=Piper |title=UCLA: Whose Violence? |url=https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/05/11/ucla-whose-violence-gaza-encampment/ |website=The New York Review |date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=18 May 2024 |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518165012/https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/05/11/ucla-whose-violence-gaza-encampment/ |url-status=live }}
In late-May 2024, the UCLA chief of police was removed from his post.{{cite web |last1=Gorman |first1=Steve |title=UCLA police chief reassigned following mob attack on pro-Palestinian protesters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ucla-police-chief-reassigned-following-mob-attack-pro-palestinian-protesters-2024-05-22/ |website=Reuters |access-date=1 June 2024}} In November 2024, the L.A. Police Commission found that a lack of communication between UCLA, the LAPD, and the California Highway Patrol had contributed to the failed response to the April 30 attack on campus.{{cite web |last1=Kaleem |first1=Jaweed |last2=Jany |first2=Libor |title=Two major reports slam UCLA over policing, violence at pro-Palestinian protest |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-11-01/ucla-usc-encampments-police-commission-reports |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2 November 2024 |archive-date=November 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109081355/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-11-01/ucla-usc-encampments-police-commission-reports |url-status=live }}
=At UCLA=
In a statement, the protesters said, "The life-threatening assault we face tonight is nothing less than a horrifying, despicable act of terror. Law enforcement simply stood at the edge of the lawn and refused to budge as we screamed for their help."{{cite web |last1=Dai-Liu |first1=Anna |last2=Winward |first2=Dylan |title=Pro-Israel counter-protesters attempt to storm encampment, sparking violence |url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/01/pro-israel-counter-protesters-attempt-to-storm-encampment-sparking-violence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501083615/https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/01/pro-israel-counter-protesters-attempt-to-storm-encampment-sparking-violence |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=The Daily Bruin}} One student speaking to CNN stated, "The police the university had hired, the private security guards, stared and watched as this happened".{{cite web |last1=Tucker |first1=Emma |date=May 2024 |title=UCLA pro-Palestinian protesters say their encampment was attacked as university "did nothing" |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/university-protests-gaza-05-01-24/h_1cedb9c72e28aab80221e8a02f190322 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501163753/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/university-protests-gaza-05-01-24/h_1cedb9c72e28aab80221e8a02f190322 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=CNN}} Another student speaking to The Guardian said after being twice hit over the head, he "was left with stitches on his forehead and 14 staples in the back of his head". The editorial board for the student newspaper, The Daily Bruin, released an op-ed condemning the university for failing to protect students and the encampment.{{Cite web |title=Editorial: UCLA is complicit in violence inflicted upon protesters, failed to protect students |url=https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/01/editorial-ucla-is-complicit-in-violence-inflicted-upon-protesters-failed-to-protect-students/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Daily Bruin |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507215825/https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/01/editorial-ucla-is-complicit-in-violence-inflicted-upon-protesters-failed-to-protect-students |url-status=live }}
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block released a statement denouncing the May 1 conflict, stating "this attack on our students, faculty and community members was utterly unacceptable",{{Cite web |url=https://chancellor.ucla.edu/messages/condemning-violence-in-our-community/ |title=Condemning Violence in our Community |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501225756/https://chancellor.ucla.edu/messages/condemning-violence-in-our-community/ |url-status=live }} describing the counter-protesters who attacked the encampment as "instigators".
Faculty condemned the lack of a response to the counter-protestors, including Ananya Roy, who said, "The word is out they can do this repeatedly and get away with it. I am ashamed of my university. A UCLA professor of Jewish history, David N. Myers, stated that "some of the attackers appeared to be carrying Israeli flags and other pro-Israel symbols", in reference to the violence.{{Cite news |last1=Anguiano |first1=Dani |last2=Beckett |first2=Lois |last3=Ramirez-Simon |first3=Diana |date=May 2, 2024 |title=UCLA chancellor condemns 'instigators' who attacked pro-Palestinian camp on campus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/may/01/violence-erupts-ucla-university-campus-clashes-rival-gaza-protest-groups |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501101829/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/may/01/violence-erupts-ucla-university-campus-clashes-rival-gaza-protest-groups |url-status=live }}
The administration released an email statement saying that they were "sickened" by the violence and that they called law enforcement to help control the situation. UCLA cancelled classes and alerted students that there would be "law enforcement presence stationed throughout campus."{{Cite web |last1=Wolfe |first1=Elizabeth |last2=Magramo |first2=Kathleen |last3=Faheid |first3=Dalia |last4=Radford |first4=Antoinette |last5=Tucker |first5=Emma |last6=Cooban |first6=Anna |last7=Ramirez |first7=Rachel |last8=Duster |first8=Chandelis |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Live updates: Pro-Palestinian university protests at Columbia, UCLA, UT, campuses amid Israel's war in Gaza |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/university-protests-gaza-05-01-24/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501064128/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/university-protests-gaza-05-01-24/index.html |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}} Remote instruction was announced for Thursday and Friday classes.{{Cite web |date=May 2024 |title=Campus Activity Updates (May 1st @ 6:30PM) |url=https://bso.ucla.edu/news/campus-activity-updates-may-1st-630pm |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=Bruins Safe Online |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502021928/https://bso.ucla.edu/news/campus-activity-updates-may-1st-630pm |url-status=live }} Faculty members of the History Department released a statement condemning the violent attacks on the students and called for the UCLA Chancellor as well as the UC President to be held accountable for their inaction.{{cite news |last1=Trujillo |first1=Edward |title=Statement of Members of the UCLA Department of History Faculty in Response to the Attack on the Encampment on 30 April 2024 |url=https://history.ucla.edu/2024/05/01/statement-of-members-of-the-ucla-department-of-history-faculty-in-response-to-the-attack-on-the-encampment-on-30-april-2024/ |access-date=May 3, 2024 |work=UCLA History Department |date=May 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503050012/https://history.ucla.edu/2024/05/01/statement-of-members-of-the-ucla-department-of-history-faculty-in-response-to-the-attack-on-the-encampment-on-30-april-2024/ |url-status=live }}
The Faculty for Justice in Palestine chapter at UCLA called for a labor strike on May 2, 2024.
{{Cite web |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Calling all Faculty! No Work on Thursday May 2nd |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C6bz2C-vh8T/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503002506/https://www.instagram.com/p/C6bz2C-vh8T/ |url-status=live }} UAW Local 4811, the union representing over 48,000 academic workers at the 11 UC campuses announced that it would hold a strike authorization vote within a week in response to the violence against students at UCLA.
{{cite news |last1=Sainato |first1=Michael |title=Union plans strike vote over crackdown on University of California Gaza protests |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/02/university-of-california-union-strike-vote-gaza-protests |access-date=May 3, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=May 2, 2024 |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509133224/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/02/university-of-california-union-strike-vote-gaza-protests |url-status=live }} The UCLA branch of Hillel International, an organization that supports Jewish life and Israel on student campuses released an unsigned statement condemning the violent attack on all students and requesting off-campus Jewish community to stay away from on-campus protests.
On May 16, the UCLA Faculty's Academic Senate voted on a no confidence vote and resolution to censure Chancellor Block over his handling of the violence committed by counterprotesters against the encampment on April 30. Both resolutions were defeated with 43% votes in favor of no confidence, and 50% in favor of censure.{{Cite web |last=Afshar |first=Dalia Faheid, Paradise |date=2024-05-18 |title=UCLA faculty reject censure and no confidence resolutions against chancellor after attack on pro-Palestinian encampment |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/18/us/ucla-faculty-rejects-censure-gene-block/index.html |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519071054/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/18/us/ucla-faculty-rejects-censure-gene-block/index.html |url-status=live }}
On May 22, the UCLA Police Chief John Thomas, who was under intense criticism for the slow response to the violence against the encampment on April 30, was removed and replaced while the University studies its security procedures.{{Cite news |last=Knoll |first=Corina |date=2024-05-22 |title=U.C.L.A. Removes Police Chief in the Wake of a Protest Melee |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/ucla-police-chief-removed.html |access-date=2024-05-23 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523124230/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/ucla-police-chief-removed.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Matza |first=Max |date=2024-05-22 |title=UCLA removes police chief after protesters clashed over Gaza war |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx99lnn2kn4o |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Arkin |first=Daniel |date=2024-05-22 |title=UCLA reassigns campus police chief after violence at pro-Palestinian encampment |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ucla-reassigns-campus-police-chief-violence-palestinian-encampment-rcna153554 |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523124230/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ucla-reassigns-campus-police-chief-violence-palestinian-encampment-rcna153554 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Watanabe |first1=Teresa |last2=Kaleem |first2=Jaweed |date=2024-05-22 |title=UCLA police chief reassigned after security failures over pro-Palestinian protests |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-22/ucla-police-chief-reassigned-after-security-failures-over-pro-palestinian-protests |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}
=Labor strike=
{{Main|2024 University of California academic workers' strike}}
On May 20 the United Auto Workers Local 4811 representing teaching assistants and research assistants throughout the University of California launched a rotating strike in which each day a different campus would strike.{{cite news|url=https://laist.com/brief/news/education/uc-workers-stand-up-strikes-ucla-uc-davis|title=Workers To Strike At UCLA|date=May 24, 2024|first=Julia|last=Barajas|publisher=LAist|archive-date=August 14, 2024|access-date=August 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814174712/https://laist.com/brief/news/education/uc-workers-stand-up-strikes-ucla-uc-davis|url-status=live}} On May 28 the rotating strike arrived at UCLA.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-28/ucla-uc-davis-brace-for-strike-as-union-alleges-free-speech-violations-in-pro-palestinian-protests|title=Kaffiyehs and pickets: UCLA, UC Davis workers strike over treatment at pro-Palestinian protests|first1=Hannah|last1=Fry|first2=Grace|last2=Toohey|first3=Caroline|last3=Petrow-Cohen|first4=Jaweed|last4=Kaleem|date=May 28, 2024|archive-date=May 29, 2024|access-date=August 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529053149/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-28/ucla-uc-davis-brace-for-strike-as-union-alleges-free-speech-violations-in-pro-palestinian-protests|url-status=live}}
=Legal proceedings=
On May 24, the UCLA Police Department arrested an 18-year old Beverly Hills High School student named Edan On on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Police said that On was recorded attacking the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA during the pro-Israel counter-protest. On was booked on a felony charge and held on a $30,000 bail. CNN had identified On along with other counter-protesters through a review of hundreds of hours of videos, social media posts and interviews. The UCLA Police Department also conducted their own investigation which included interviewing victims and witnesses and reviewing security camera footage and social media videos from members of the public and media.{{cite news |last1=Von Quednow |first1=Cindy |last2=Lah |first2=Kyung |title=Man who police say was recorded attacking pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA is arrested on suspicion of felony assault |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/24/us/pro-palestine-encampment-attack-ucla-arrest/index.html |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=CNN |date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527004118/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/24/us/pro-palestine-encampment-attack-ucla-arrest/index.html |archive-date=May 27, 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Carless |first1=Will |title=Man who was identified in attack on UCLA protest encampment arrested |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2024/05/24/edan-on-arrested-ucla-protest-attack/73836881007/ |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=USA Today |date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526140117/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2024/05/24/edan-on-arrested-ucla-protest-attack/73836881007/ |archive-date=May 26, 2024|url-status=live}}
On June 21, the office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney declined to press felony charges against Edan On, and referred the case to the Los Angeles City Attorney for possible misdemeanor charges. In declining to file felony charges, the district attorney cited lack of evidence that On's conduct directly resulted in any injuries, nor any evidence of conspiracy.{{cite news|date=June 21, 2024|title=LA County declines to charge man recorded attacking pro-Palestine protesters at UCLA, refers case to city attorney's office|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/21/us/edan-on-ucla-palestine-encampment-attack/index.html|publisher=CNN|first1=Zoe|last1=Sottile|first2=Anna-Maja|last2=Rappard|archive-date=August 14, 2024|access-date=August 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814175651/https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/21/us/edan-on-ucla-palestine-encampment-attack/index.html|url-status=live}}
On April 25, 2025, L.A. City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced that criminal charges would be filed against Edan On and Matthew Katz. No other criminal charges were filed as a result of the protests.{{cite web |last1=Vives |first1=Ruben |title=Most arrested during USC, UCLA Israel-Hamas war protests won’t be charged, L.A. city attorney says |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-25/most-arrested-during-usc-ucla-israel-hamas-war-protests-wont-be-charged-l-a-city-attorney-says |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=26 April 2025 |date=25 April 2025}}
=Gene Block congressional testimony=
On 23 May 2024, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block testified at the House Education Committee.{{cite web |last1=Jarvie |first1=Jenny |title=Four takeaways from UCLA Chancellor Gene Block's testimony on campus antisemitism, protests |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/four-takeaways-ucla-chancellor-gene-230826762.html |website=Yahoo! News |date=May 23, 2024 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |access-date=1 June 2024 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601005532/https://au.news.yahoo.com/four-takeaways-ucla-chancellor-gene-230826762.html |url-status=live }} During Block's testimony, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar stated, "You, the UCLA leadership and law enforcement stood by for hours as the mob of agitators gathered near the encampment with the clear intention to cause violence".{{cite web |last1=Brice |first1=Makini |title=UCLA should have immediately removed protesters, chancellor tells House |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/university-heads-testify-before-us-house-committee-campus-tensions-2024-05-23/ |website=Reuters |access-date=1 June 2024}}
Media coverage
In an op-ed in The Guardian, activist Judith Levine criticized U.S. media coverage of the counter-protester attack, particularly outlets' refraining from assigning blame and for using the passive voice.{{cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Judith |title=Police let violent mobs attack UCLA students. This is what lawlessness looks like |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/article/2024/may/06/ucla-protester-mob-attack |website=The Guardian |date=May 6, 2024 |access-date=8 May 2024 |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509114413/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/commentisfree/article/2024/may/06/ucla-protester-mob-attack |url-status=live }}
On May 1, the day after the counter-protester violence, Dr. Phil filmed segments for his syndicated talk show at the encampment.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-01 |title=Dr. Phil Visits UCLA Following Night of Violent Clashes |url=https://www.westsidecurrent.com/news/dr-phil-visits-ucla-following-night-of-violent-clashes/article_ed191cf6-0810-11ef-8b5d-6f1df7e49f91.html |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Westside Current |language=en |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519072053/https://www.westsidecurrent.com/news/dr-phil-visits-ucla-following-night-of-violent-clashes/article_ed191cf6-0810-11ef-8b5d-6f1df7e49f91.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title='It's a bad situation,' Dr. Phil visits UCLA campus |url=https://www.meritstreetmedia.com/news/drphilcampusprotest |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Dr. Phil's Merit Street |language=en |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519072054/https://www.meritstreetmedia.com/news/drphilcampusprotest |url-status=live }}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW8ZVvnuGcU |title=Dr. Phil: The Truth Behind The UCLA Pro-Palestine Protests {{!}} Dr. Phil Primetime |date=2024-05-08 |last=Dr. Phil Primetime |access-date=2024-05-19 |via=YouTube |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519072053/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW8ZVvnuGcU |url-status=live }}
On May 16, CNN published an investigative piece where they attempted to identify those that participated in the attack on the encampment, based on posted social media, footage, and interviews. Several individuals were identified by name in the piece, including Edan On, Malachi Marlan-Librett, and Tom Bibiyan. On's mother had praised his actions on her Facebook account, writing in Hebrew: “Edan went to bully the Palestinian students in the tents at UCLA and played the song that they played to the Nukhba terrorists in prison!” She confirmed him to be a participant to CNN and said that he planned to enlist in the IDF. However, she later denied that her son had been at the encampment. On May 23, the UCLA Police Department arrested Edan On on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, a felony charge. On was “was seen on video assaulting encampment occupants with a wooden pole” according to a statement released to CNN.{{Cite web |last1=Lah |first1=Kyung |last2=Cindy Von |first2=Quednow |date=2024-05-24 |title=Man who police say was recorded attacking pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA is arrested on suspicion of felony assault |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/24/us/pro-palestine-encampment-attack-ucla-arrest/index.html |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524124631/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/24/us/pro-palestine-encampment-attack-ucla-arrest/index.html |url-status=live }}
Civil lawsuits
In early June 2024, three Jewish UCLA students filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles federal court against the Regents of the University of California for allowing protesters to prevent the Jewish students from accessing certain areas of the campus "unless they agreed to disavow Israel’s right to exist."{{cite news|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2024/06/06/3-jewish-students-file-suit-against-ucla-over-pro-palestinian-encampment/|title=3 Jewish students file suit against UCLA over pro-Palestinian encampment|date=June 6, 2024|publisher=Los Angeles Daily News|archive-date=August 14, 2024|access-date=August 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814143026/https://www.dailynews.com/2024/06/06/3-jewish-students-file-suit-against-ucla-over-pro-palestinian-encampment/|url-status=live}} The university claimed that it was not responsible for the civil rights violations because the violations were committed by the protestors, rather than directly by the university.
On August 13, Judge Mark Scarsi issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the Jewish students, saying that the university cannot allow protestors to violate the civil rights of Jewish students by blocking them from accessing certain areas within the campus for holding faith-based views.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/ucla-protests-jewish-students-judge-rules-573d3385393b91dae093a8a8f0861431|title=UCLA can't allow protesters to block Jewish students from campus, judge rules|date=August 13, 2024|publisher=Associated Press|archive-date=August 14, 2024|access-date=August 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814143026/https://apnews.com/article/ucla-protests-jewish-students-judge-rules-573d3385393b91dae093a8a8f0861431|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Ax |first=Joseph |date=14 August 2024 |title=UCLA must protect Jewish students' access to campus, judge rules |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/ucla-must-protect-jewish-students-access-campus-judge-rules-2024-08-14/ |work=Reuters}} Judge Scarsi said that it was "unimaginable" and "abhorrent" for Jewish students to be unable to use parts of the university campus, including Powell Library,{{Cite web |last=Lenthang |first=Marlene |date=2024-08-14 |title=Judge rules for Jewish students, says UCLA can't allow them to be barred from accessing campus after protests |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-rules-jewish-students-says-ucla-cant-allow-barred-accessing-camp-rcna166529 |access-date=2024-08-19 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819093202/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/judge-rules-jewish-students-says-ucla-cant-allow-barred-accessing-camp-rcna166529 |url-status=live }} "because they refused to denounce their faith". The ruling effectively requires the university to either ensure that Jewish students are "fully and equally" able to participate in all parts of the school that are ordinarily open to students, or to close those programs and places for all students. UCLA responded that the ruling "would improperly hamstring [its] ability to respond to events on the ground and to meet the needs of [its] community."
A separate lawsuit was also filed in June by a student who by that time had already graduated. In his lawsuit against UCLA, the student, Milagro Jones, blamed the university for an assault he suffered by the protestors at the encampment. Jones faulted UCLA for not acting soon enough to shut down the encampment. Although Jones is not Jewish, he was nonetheless accused by the protestors of being a Zionist.{{cite web|title=Another UCLA student sues school over handling of pro-Hamas encampment|url=https://www.campusreform.org/article/another-ucla-student-sues-school-handling-pro-hamas-encampment/25830|first=Patrick |last=McDonald |date=July 12, 2024}}{{cite news|title=UCLA student sues university after pro-Palestinian activists assault him|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1rtcsala|date=June 29, 2024|first=Rommy|last=Etzion|publisher=Ynet|archive-date=August 27, 2024|access-date=August 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827075407/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h1rtcsala|url-status=live}}
See also
- 2024 University of Southern California pro-Palestinian campus occupation
- 2024 University of Oregon pro-Palestinian campus occupation
- 2024 University of Virginia pro-Palestinian campus occupation
- Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
- History of the University of California, Los Angeles § Student unrest - Vietnam era
Notes
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References
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External links
- {{Commons category-inline}}
{{2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses}}
{{UCLA}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:University of California, Los Angeles pro-Palestinian campus occupation, 2024}}
Category:2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses in the United States
Category:2024 controversies in the United States
Category:April 2024 in the United States
Category:May 2024 in the United States
Category:Anti-war protests in the United States
Category:Anti-Zionism in the United States
Pro-Palestinian campus occupation