More than 200 UCLA students, faculty, and staff were arrested after police destroyed the campus’ Palestinian solidarity encampment. The encampment was established by students calling on UCLA to divest from companies with ties to Israel and disclose the school’s financial ties. Similar protests have occurred at campuses nationwide in response to Israel’s military assault on Gaza. The encampment hosted workshops, teach-ins, and self-defense classes and was praised by participants for its multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith community.
University officials initially tolerated the protests but later declared the encampment illegal, leading to a violent clash with counter-protesters. The LAPD reportedly did not intervene, leaving participants to face threats and violence alone. Many protesters were injured, and some counter-protesters used racist and homophobic slurs and threats of violence. Despite the violence, protesters maintained their commitment to nonviolence.
The LAPD eventually intervened, and multiple arrests were made. Calls for the resignation of the university chancellor, who condemned the protests, have been issued. An organization called The Bear Jews of Truth raised significant funds to support pro-Israel counter-protests at UCLA and other campuses. Despite this, supporters of the encampment continued to face harassment and violence from counter-protesters.
Protesters prepared for police intervention by organizing into risk categories and ensuring those who could not risk arrest were protected. The encampment was eventually cleared by police, leading to further arrests and injuries among participants. The UCLA community has shown resilience and determination to continue advocating for their demands, including transparency in the school’s financial ties.
Participants reflected on the trauma and challenges they faced during the encampment, with some expressing a desire to rebuild the community despite the risks involved. Moving forward, protesters hope the university will acknowledge their demands and commit to greater transparency and accountability. The events at UCLA have drawn attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the importance of student activism in addressing pressing global issues.
