California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state officials vying to replace him have refrained from commenting on the anti-Israel protests at UCLA and UC Berkeley. Newsom has not made a statement regarding the protests but did mention working with UC trustees to maintain the right to protest without hate. Other Democratic candidates such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and Tony Thurmon also declined to comment on the campus protests. Republicans have openly criticized these protests as antisemitic, but Newsom and his Democratic colleagues have avoided the subject.
Violence broke out at UCLA between anti-Israel and pro-Israel demonstrators, resulting in fights, the throwing of items, and the deployment of fireworks and pepper spray. Pro-Israel counter-protesters attempted to dismantle parts of the anti-Israel encampment before deploying fireworks and pepper spray. Campus police and medical personnel briefly showed up before local and state police were noticeably absent for about two hours. Eventually, the Los Angeles Police responded around 1 a.m., according to KTLA. Newsom’s press office stated they were closely monitoring the situation and resources were being mobilized.
On Monday, a student wearing a Star of David necklace was blocked by masked anti-Israel protesters while attempting to walk to class. Vice Chancellor Mary Osako issued a statement in response to the physical altercations on campus, expressing outrage at the disruption of the university’s mission. Immediate actions were taken, including the initiation of the student conduct process with the possibility of severe disciplinary action. The barriers used by demonstrators to block the student’s access to class were removed, and additional staff were placed around Royce Quad to prevent them from being set up again.
The demonstrations at UCLA have been largely peaceful, but Osako emphasized the importance of treating one another with respect and recognizing shared humanity. The campus must remain a place free from violence and bullying. Newsom and other state officials have not directly commented on the protests, focusing on working with UC trustees to allow peaceful protests without hate. Democratic candidates are avoiding the subject, while Republicans have condemned the protests as antisemitic. Violence erupted between anti-Israel and pro-Israel demonstrators, leading to clashes and the deployment of fireworks and pepper spray.
While law enforcement leaders were in contact with UCLA officials and resources were being mobilized to address the situation, local and state police were initially absent from the campus during the violence. Newsom’s press office stated they were monitoring the situation closely. The response to the student being blocked from class has sparked outrage, with immediate actions taken by the university to investigate and potentially discipline those involved. The campus must uphold a standard of respect and shared humanity, free from violence and disruptions to the teaching and learning mission.
