LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Following a violent clash between pro-Palestinian protesters and a masked group on the University of California, Los Angeles campus, the institution has pledged to enhance campus safety by establishing a dedicated office for this purpose. The incident, which led to criticisms of the authorities’ slow response, prompted the university’s chancellor, Gene Block, to announce urgent changes to protect the campus community moving forward.
Block emphasized the need for a singular focus on campus safety and announced the immediate creation of a new office to oversee the university police department and the UCLA office of emergency management. Prior to this decision, UCLA experienced a series of major demonstrations and violence, with clashes erupting between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators on campus.
In the wake of the violent incident, which unfolded as law enforcement and campus security stood by, the university faced backlash for its handling of the situation. California Governor strongly condemned the response as “unacceptable,” while the UCLA police chief defended his actions, stating he did all he could. However, a union representing UC police departments placed blame on the university administrators for the response.
To spearhead the new office of campus safety at UCLA, Rick Braziel, a former police chief in Sacramento with experience in reviewing law enforcement responses in high-profile incidents, was appointed. An advisory group comprising law enforcement, a professor, and a UC official responsible for community safety will collaborate with Braziel to strengthen campus security processes.
The dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment on campus and the subsequent resumption of classes did not quell the unrest completely, as reports surfaced of police detaining several individuals, including journalists, at a university parking garage. Despite the ongoing challenges, the university is committed to creating a secure environment where students and staff can pursue their studies and careers without fear.