California officials criticize violent protests against Israel at UCLA.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, along with other state officials vying to succeed him after his term concludes, spoke out on Wednesday afternoon in response to anti-Israel protests at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, Berkeley.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Newsom emphasized that the right to free speech does not condone violence, vandalism, or lawlessness on campus. He vowed to hold those responsible for such behavior accountable.
“I condemn the violence at UCLA last night. The law is clear: The right to free speech does not extend to inciting violence, vandalism, or lawlessness on campus. Those who engage in illegal behavior must be held accountable for their actions, including through criminal prosecution, suspension, or expulsion,” stated Newsom.
Newsom’s office also released a statement regarding the campus protests that transpired.
During a news conference on a separate topic, Newsom addressed the demonstrations, indicating that he and other state officials were collaborating with the UC trustees to ensure the right to protest without hate.
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis echoed Newsom’s stern warning in her own statement following the protests.
“Recent events have been incredibly challenging for universities in California and across the nation. However, the incidents at UCLA were appalling and heartbreaking. The right to express oneself and protest peacefully is crucial for our democracy,” Kounalakis expressed in a statement on X.
While some demonstrations have been peaceful in their activism, others have adopted shocking and abhorrent actions and language, creating an environment where students feel threatened and unsafe on campuses, she added. Acts such as hate speech, violence, and property destruction oppose their values and have no place in educational settings.
Members of the UC Regents, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmon, declined to comment on the protests at the campuses. State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas also refrained from providing a statement regarding the events.
Republicans have taken a strong stance against campus protests in California and nationwide, decrying them as antisemitic. Meanwhile, Newsom and his Democratic colleagues have tried to steer clear of the issue.
Tensions escalated at UCLA late Tuesday night and into the early hours of Wednesday as clashes erupted between anti-Israel and pro-Israel demonstrators. Physical altercations broke out, leading to the deployment of items such as fireworks and what appeared to be pepper spray.
Counter-protesters supporting Israel arrived at around 10:45 p.m. and sought to dismantle sections of the anti-Israel demonstration on UCLA’s campus before employing fireworks and apparent pepper spray, as reported by KTLA.
Though campus police and some medical personnel briefly appeared at the scene before departing, local and state police were conspicuously absent from UCLA’s campus at the beginning, leaving a gap of about two hours amid the violence. The Los Angeles Police eventually intervened around 1 a.m. local time.
Newsom’s press office affirmed on X the next morning, “Our office is closely monitoring the situation at @UCLA. Law enforcement officials are coordinating this evening, with resources being mobilized.”
Earlier in the week, a student wearing a Star of David necklace was filmed trying to access his class when masked anti-Israel protesters formed a barrier, preventing his passage.
UCLA Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications Mary Osako issued a statement in response to the physical altercations, stating that the university had taken several measures, including augmenting campus law enforcement, safety personnel, and student affairs monitors in response to the incidents.
Reacting to the report of a student being obstructed while attempting to attend a class, Osako condemned such disruptions to the teaching and learning mission of the university. She noted that immediate actions were taken, such as initiating the student conduct process that could lead to severe disciplinary actions like expulsion or suspension. The barriers used by demonstrators to block the student’s access have been removed, and staff are stationed around Royce Quad to prevent their re-erection. Additionally, law enforcement has been engaged to investigate the matter.
“While the demonstration remains mostly peaceful, our campus must remain a place where we treat one another with respect and acknowledge our shared humanity, not a place where violence and intimidation prevail,” remarked Osako.
