Venkat B., an associate professor in UCLA’s Department of History, has emerged as a vocal supporter of anti-Israel demonstrations on campus and a promoter of divisive rhetoric. Rather than using his position to foster academic inquiry or campus unity, Venkat has consistently aligned himself with extremist groups and faculty agitators who glorify violent resistance and demonize the Jewish state.

Public Support for Radical Encampments and Faculty Disruption

• On May 2, 2024, Venkat posted from the illegal UCLA encampment, writing that he was “waiting for the LAPD” alongside his “brave” students. His use of the term glorifies unlawful protests that obstructed university functions and endangered students.

• Shared a video from within the encampment, aligning himself with demonstrators who promoted antisemitic slogans and celebrated Hamas’ resistance.

• Wore a keffiyeh at UCLA’s 2024 commencement, using the occasion to signal political solidarity with anti-Israel causes, even as tensions on campus ran high over harassment and violence against Jewish students.

Online Rhetoric Echoing Extremist Talking Points

Venkat has consistently used his X (formerly Twitter) account to amplify inflammatory and conspiratorial claims:

• May 23, 2024: Posted a protest photo accusing UCLA of funding the “genocide” in Gaza, captioning it “facts”—a common tactic used to launder propaganda as unquestionable truth.

• May 2, 2024: Criticized UCLA leadership and the “carceral state” for allegedly treating counter-protesters more leniently than pro-Gaza demonstrators, suggesting institutional complicity.

• Shared multiple anti-Israel posts, including direct attacks on AIPAC, contributing to the normalization of antisemitic conspiracies about Jewish influence and political control.

Labor Activism Used as a Political Weapon

• On May 28, 2024, Venkat actively encouraged faculty to join a strike led by the United Auto Workers (UAW) academic workers’ union. The strike, triggered by the campus response to anti-Israel protests, revealed the growing politicization of labor movements in support of radical anti-Zionist causes.

A Pattern of Radicalization, Not Advocacy

Venkat’s public conduct, academic platform, and online activity reveal a disturbing pattern: he is not simply an activist, but a faculty member using his institutional authority to shield and encourage extremism under the guise of “justice.” His endorsement of fringe narratives and participation in disruptive protests compromise campus safety and normalize antisemitic incitement.