Raphaël Rouquier, a mathematics professor at UCLA and member of the Academic Senate’s Legislative Assembly, has used his academic position not to promote scholarly integrity but to defend radicalized student protesters and undermine efforts to curb campus extremism. While the demonstrations he supports have been marred by antisemitic slogans, encampment disruptions, and violence, Rouquier frames them as protected free speech—ignoring their hateful rhetoric and harmful impact on Jewish students.

Enabling Extremism Under the Banner of “Free Speech”

• October 1, 2024: Rouquier publicly criticized UCLA’s response to antisemitic campus protests, portraying the university’s attempts to protect public order as a crackdown on freedom of expression.

• Despite hundreds of arrests and credible reports of harassment, he characterized the administration’s actions as “suppressing solidarity” with Palestine rather than enforcing basic campus safety.

• He specifically took issue with UCLA’s Time, Place, and Manner (TPM) rules, which were introduced to prevent exactly the kind of lawless encampments that Rouquier defended.

Vocal Support for Anti-Israel Faculty Protests

• Rouquier actively participated in UCLA faculty demonstrations in favor of pro-Palestinian encampments—some of which were organized or endorsed by groups known to glorify violence and antisemitism.

• While students blocked Jewish classmates from campus buildings, Rouquier and other faculty lent their credibility to these illegal actions rather than calling for accountability.

Antisemitic Deflection and Ideological Entrenchment

• Rouquier consistently frames external critique of antisemitic activism as “political pressure,” dismissing legitimate concerns over student safety and harassment.

• He has shared multiple posts sympathetic to figures and causes associated with BDS and has re-shared critiques of Israel that echo radical anti-Zionist talking points.

A Dangerously Misguided Academic Voice

Rather than distancing himself from hate-filled campus activism, Raphaël Rouquier has positioned himself as one of its most vocal defenders. His refusal to acknowledge the antisemitic nature of campus encampments and his continued promotion of divisive rhetoric suggest a dangerous pattern of academic radicalism. In an environment where Jewish students are increasingly under threat, Rouquier has chosen to defend the perpetrators, not the victims.