California Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with other state officials running to replace him, have refrained from commenting on the anti-Israel protests at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, Berkeley. Newsom has not released a statement regarding his stance on the campus protests, but has mentioned working with the UC trustees to maintain the right to protest without hate. Members of the UC Regents and other Democratic candidates have also declined to comment on the protests, while Republicans have openly criticized them as antisemitic. Violence ensued at UCLA late Tuesday night as anti-Israel and pro-Israel demonstrators clashed, with fights breaking out, items being thrown, and fireworks and pepper spray deployed.
Dozens of pro-Israeli counter-protestors attempted to dismantle parts of the anti-Israel encampment on UCLA’s campus before deploying fireworks and pepper spray. Campus police and medical personnel briefly showed up at the scene before local and state police were noticeably absent for about two hours amid the violence. Los Angeles Police eventually responded to the scene at about 1 a.m. local time. Newsom’s press office stated that law enforcement leaders are monitoring the situation and resources are being mobilized. This comes after a student was seen on video being blocked by masked anti-Israel protesters while attempting to walk to class, prompting a response from UCLA Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications Mary Osako condemning the disruptions to the teaching and learning mission.
Osako mentioned that the university has taken several actions in response to the altercations, including adding more campus law enforcement, safety personnel, and student affairs monitors. She also stated that the student conduct process has been initiated, which could lead to severe disciplinary action such as expulsion or suspension for those involved in blocking the student’s access to class. The barriers that demonstrators used to block the student’s access have been removed, and staff have been stationed in the area to ensure they do not go up again. Law enforcement has also been engaged to investigate the incidents. While the demonstrations have remained largely peaceful, Osako emphasized the importance of treating each other with respect and recognizing shared humanity, rather than devolving into violence and bullying.
Newsom and other Democratic candidates have not commented on the protests, while Republicans have openly criticized them as antisemitic. The violence at UCLA between anti-Israel and pro-Israel demonstrators has prompted responses from the campus police and eventually the Los Angeles Police. UCLA has taken action to address the disruptions to its teaching and learning mission, including increased law enforcement presence and potential severe disciplinary action for those involved in blocking a student from accessing class. As the situation unfolds, it remains a priority to ensure mutual respect and recognition of shared humanity on the campus, rather than descending into violence and bullying. Newsom’s press office has stated that law enforcement leaders are monitoring the situation and taking appropriate measures in response to the protests.
