Violence erupted during a pro-Palestinian protest on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), leading to the cancellation of classes.
Late Tuesday night, a violent incident occurred in a pro-Palestinian camp on the UCLA campus, continuing into the early hours of Wednesday, prompting school officials to cancel all classes on Wednesday, May 1st. Last week, pro-Palestinian protests took place on various college campuses across the United States. UCLA joined this wave of demonstrations last Thursday.
UCLA released a statement on social media on Wednesday, stating, “Due to the disturbances caused by the violent incident that occurred late last night and early this morning at Royce Quad, all classes are canceled today. Please stay clear of the Royce Quad area.”
Reporters from FOX11 station stayed on the scene throughout the night. According to their coverage, tensions escalated around 11 p.m. on Tuesday in the Westwood area. Clashes broke out between pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israel demonstrators. In the chaos of the night, pepper spray was used on some individuals, and fireworks were thrown toward the protesters’ tent.
Law enforcement did not arrive until about two hours later, around 1 a.m. when officers from the Los Angeles Police Department in riot gear arrived at the scene. Subsequently, the camp was deemed unlawful. UCLA officials warned that students involved in the brawl may face disciplinary measures. Additionally, non-student participants could potentially face misdemeanor charges.
A student who witnessed the chaotic scenes on Tuesday night was interviewed by FOX11. He expressed concern that this situation might impact the upcoming graduation ceremony. “This is insane. I’ve been here for four years, and this is the first time I’ve seen something like this,” said Jason. “I witnessed it all. People pushing barricades, throwing things towards the camp, and others throwing things back, like pepper spray.”
The student’s younger brother attends the University of Southern California, where the main stage graduation ceremony has been canceled. He shared, “I’m worried something like this might happen to me, especially after COVID took away my high school graduation ceremony, and now this.”
The Los Angeles Jewish Federation issued a statement expressing shock over the violence that occurred on the UCLA campus last night. They emphasized that the hateful actions of some protesters do not represent the Jewish community or its values. The Federation believes in peaceful and civilized dialogue.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the violence that took place on the UCLA campus last night. He stated, “The law is clear: freedom of speech does not include inciting violence, damaging public property, or lawlessness on campus. Those engaging in unlawful behavior must face legal consequences.”
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block made his first public comments on the protests on Tuesday, affirming that UCLA supports peaceful protests but not extremism, as it can make the community feel bullied, threatened, and fearful. These events have put many people on campus, especially Jewish students, in a state of panic.
Earlier on Tuesday, a protester installed a Palestinian flag on scaffolding outside the Powell Library near the campsite, leading to detainment by the campus police. The individual was later released.
Organizers of the UCLA Palestinian Solidarity Camp, similar to their counterparts at the University of Southern California, released a list of demands, urging the University of California and the UCLA Foundation to divest from Israeli-related companies. They also called for the university to appeal for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as for academic boycotts against Israeli universities and suspension of study-abroad programs.
Last Friday, the University of California issued a statement opposing calls for boycotting Israel and divesting from Israeli-related entities. UCLA emphasized the rights of community members to express differing views, but asserted that such boycotts infringe upon academic freedom for students and faculty, as well as the unrestricted exchange of ideas on campus.
“The student fees at the University of California are the primary source of funding for essential university operations. These funds are not used for investment purposes,” the statement clarified.
On Monday, protests camps also appeared at the University of California, Irvine, and the University of California, Riverside.