The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) resumed regular campus operations on Monday (May 6). Following the campus turmoil, Chancellor Gene Block announced the establishment of a new campus security department responsible for police work and emergency management.
In late April, ongoing protests in support of Palestine erupted on the UCLA campus.
Late at night on April 30, clashes broke out between supporters of Palestine and supporters of Israel. Pepper spray was used, and fireworks were thrown towards protesters’ tents during the chaos. The conflict continued into the early hours, leading the university to cancel all classes the following day.
On May 2 in the early morning, police entered the pro-Palestinian camp on campus and arrested 209 people. Most of those arrested were suspected of participating in an unlawful assembly; they were later released with instructions to appear in court. Protesters and the hundreds of police officers involved in the clearing operation did not sustain major injuries.
According to the university, the clearing operation allowed them to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the extent of damage on campus. Royce Hall and Powell Library were extensively vandalized. Previous camp areas also left piles of garbage.
UCLA transitioned to online teaching for classes on May 2 and 3.
City News Service (CNS) reported that UCLA announced on Sunday (May 5) that regular campus operations would resume on Monday. Faculty and staff were encouraged to return to in-person teaching as soon as possible, but they could opt to continue remote teaching until May 10 without department authorization. Students would directly receive notifications from their instructors.
While overall operations are returning to normal, campus alerts indicated that courses and work in Moore Hall would continue remotely due to “ongoing disruptions.”
Following the violent incidents sparked by pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus, UCLA announced the establishment of a new “Campus Safety” office.
Chancellor Block, in a message to the UCLA community on May 5, stated, “Over the past week, our campus has been shaken by a series of events that have disrupted our community’s sense of security and heightened tensions,” adding, “In light of this, UCLA and the Office of the President of the University of California have committed to a thorough review of our safety procedures. But one thing is clear: to best protect our community, a change in how we manage safety operations is urgently needed.”
Block outlined several actions he is taking, including “immediately transferring oversight and management of the UCLA Police Department and Emergency Management Office from the office of the Executive Vice Chancellor to the newly established Campus Safety Office, with the leadership of this office reporting directly to me,” emphasizing that this organizational structure has proven effective at other major universities across the United States.
The new office will be led by Rick Braziel, who served 33 years with the Sacramento Police Department, including 5 years as Chief of Police before retiring, bringing extensive law enforcement experience.
In addition, Block has formed a formal advisory group, including members such as Joe Farrow, Chief of the UC Davis Police Department and Chair of the UC Police Chiefs Association; Vickie Mays, Professor of Psychology and Health Policy and Management; and Jody Stiger, Director of Community Safety across the UCLA Chancellor’s Office system.
Block expressed confidence that Braziel and the advisory group would provide effective leadership for UCLA’s safety and emergency management.
UCLA’s response to last week’s campus violence faced criticism.
Block is expected to testify before Congress on May 23, outlining UCLA’s efforts to combat campus anti-Semitism and actions taken to protect Jewish students.
Meanwhile, a union representing campus police at 10 California universities has criticized UCLA administrators for what they perceive as a delayed response to last week’s campus violence.
Governor Newsom and other elected officials have called for an investigation into the university and police response. Witnesses claim that the violence on the night of April 30 lasted for hours without police intervention until around 3 a.m. when officers in riot gear finally intervened, restoring order on campus. ◇