The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has notified pro-Palestinian protesters that their encampment is considered “unlawful” and in violation of school policies. As a result, the university is taking steps to disband the demonstration.
On Thursday, both student and non-student demonstrators gathered in the Royce Quad of UCLA’s campus. Their purpose was twofold: urging the university to divest from Israel and calling for an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
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Demonstrators received the message on Tuesday, as several universities in the United States have also requested the police to dismantle similar protests on their campuses, leading to numerous arrests.
The activist group People’s City Council of Los Angeles has published a message online. According to the message, individuals who are involved in the encampment but not affiliated with the school are breaking the law and may be subject to misdemeanor charges.
According to the university, students who choose to stay in the encampment may face disciplinary actions, such as suspension or dismissal from UCLA.
The UCLA Palestinian Solidarity Encampment responded by accusing the school of using a “cowardly intimidation tactic.” They expressed their disappointment and frustration at what they perceived to be an attempt to silence and intimidate their movement.
In a statement, it was declared that we will stay in this place until our demands are fulfilled.
The school was also accused of neglecting its responsibility to safeguard them from “zionists” who continuously pose threats to their safety. These threats manifest in various forms, including verbal, physical, and emotional assaults directed towards the students involved in the encampment.
In a statement on Tuesday night, UCLA President Michael Drake expressed his support for the campus’s decision to take steps towards dismantling the encampment.
According to the President of the University of California, it is important for the institution to be open to different viewpoints, even if they are offensive to some. However, there are limits to this freedom of expression. If the expression hinders the learning process, prevents students from expressing their own views, disrupts the functioning of the University, or poses a threat to the safety of students or others, action must be taken.
In a letter to the university community, Drake acknowledged that although the majority of the demonstrators have been peaceful, some have resorted to “shocking and shameful” tactics. He highlighted incidents of violence and students being prevented from accessing certain areas of the campus.
In response, the school has taken significant measures to enhance security at the site and has requested law enforcement to investigate the recent acts of violence, according to the spokesperson.
“I understand that the turmoil in the Middle East has deeply affected our campus, and we remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution,” he acknowledged. “Although Bruins hold diverse viewpoints on this conflict, it is crucial that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our fellow students and foster a secure learning environment.”
