University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), founded in 1919, is one of the most prestigious public research institutions in the United States. As part of the University of California system, UCLA has been recognized for its academic excellence, innovation, and global influence. However, since October 7 2023, UCLA has become a hotbed for radical pro-Palestinian activism, rising antisemitism, and hostile campus protests, making it one of the most volatile university environments in the country. 

Pro-Palestinian Protests and Incidents at UCLA

Palestine Solidarity Encampment (April-May 2024)

• April 25, 2024: Extremist students and faculty established the “Palestine Solidarity Encampment” on campus, which was an instant hotbed for Hamas propaganda and antisemitic rhetoric. 

• The encampment featured signs with slogans made popular by Hamas, saying “There is only one Solution, Intifada Revolution” and “From The River to The Sea, Palestine Will Be Free.” 

• April 28, 2024: Confrontations escalated when counter-protesters were attacked for getting near the encampment. This resulted in many pro-Palestinian assaulting innocent people. 

• April 29, 2024: UCLA faculty organized a walkout in solidarity with pro-Palestinian activists, reinforcing their support for student demonstrations. 

• May 2, 2024: The encampment was forcibly dismantled by police, resulting in over 200 arrests and national media coverage. 

Rise of Antisemitism at UCLA 

Jewish students and faculty have reported an increase in antisemitic rhetoric, harassment, and intimidation following these protests. 

Notable Antisemitic Incidents

• Antisemitic Graffiti: Swastikas and anti-Israel slogans were spray-painted on campus buildings during the protests. 

• Harassment and Threats: Jewish students and faculty were physically threatened and verbally assaulted during demonstrations. 

• Disruptions to Jewish Events: Pro-Palestinian activists stormed Jewish student gatherings, disrupting cultural and religious events. 

• Faculty Accusations of Bias: Several Jewish faculty members claimed they were marginalized or pressured to remain silent in the face of growing antisemitism. 

Task Force Findings

• October 2024: UCLA’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias released a 93-page report detailing harassment, threats, and intimidation Jewish community members faced. 

• The report condemned the lack of administrative action to prevent violations of campus rules. 

Incidents of Property Damage & Campus Violence 

• Fires & Vandalism: Protesters set small fires near encampments and vandalized university buildings with pro-Hamas slogans. 

• Bruin Plaza Hate Rally: Pro-Hamas protesters disrupted classes and faculty research. There was event a gross chant of “beat the f**king Jew!” 

• Destruction of Campus Property: Protesters defaced statues, tore down university banners, and blocked major campus pathways, disrupting daily activities. 

Pro-Palestinian Groups & Faculty Involvement 

Several radical student and faculty organizations have been driving forces behind the activism and unrest at UCLA. 

Student Organizations Leading the Movement

• Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP-UCLA) 

• The most active student organization, responsible for organizing large-scale protests and encampments. 

• Promoted the use of “Intifada” rhetoric and hostile anti-Israel messaging. 

• Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP-UCLA) 

• A self-identified Jewish organization that supports anti-Israel activism and partners with SJP. 

• Helped organize protests that led to arrests and disruptions. 

Faculty Members Supporting Radical Activism 

Several UCLA professors have actively supported pro-Palestinian activism, encouraged student protests, and criticized the university’s response to antisemitic incidents. 

Key Faculty Members Involved in UCLA’s Pro-Hamas Activism

Ananya Roy 

• Professor of Urban Planning, Social Welfare, and Geography 

• Director of the Institute on Inequality and Democracy at UCLA Luskin 

• Role in the Protests: 

• Has over looked Hamas’ rape and murder of over one thousand innocent Jews and has called it resistance. 

Graeme Blair 

• Assistant Professor of Political Science 

• Role in the Protests: 

• Member of UCLA’s Faculty for Justice in Palestine. 

• Stood up for arrested students by providing legal aid connections after they were arrested for damaging school property and being antisemitic. 

Randall Kuhn 

• Professor of Community Health Sciences 

• Role in the Protests: 

• Refused to denounce Hamas.  

• Has completely supported and even praised acts of terror on Jewish individuals.  

Legal Actions & Policy Changes at UCLA 

1. ACLU Lawsuit Against UCLA

• May 2024: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued UCLA for allegedly suppressing student and faculty free speech by dismantling the encampments and arresting protesters. 

2. University of California System Policy Changes

• August 2024: The UC system implemented new policies, including: 

• Banning unauthorized encampments on campus. 

• Prohibiting the use of face masks to conceal identities during protests. 

As of Today 

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has descended into chaos, becoming a hotbed of antisemitic rhetoric, radical activism, and violent protests. Jewish students and faculty have faced threats, harassment, and intimidation, while radical professors and student groups fuel the unrest. 

With ongoing investigations, arrests, and national scrutiny, UCLA must now choose between restoring order or continuing to allow extremist activism to overtake its campus.