First appearance on Fox: The University of California, Berkeley, has canceled a fall debate between two California Senate candidates in preparation for continued disruption from continued protests on campus.
A debate between Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff and Republican Steve Garvey, tentatively scheduled for early fall on a California campus, was canceled after the school said, “We will ensure safety,” according to email communications obtained by Fox News Digital. The event was canceled because it was determined that he did not have the ability to do so. and civic events. ”
“Tensions on campus are high due to world events, but are unlikely to resolve by the fall, and with the November election leading to Tensions are likely to escalate further,” the government research university said.
“After much consideration, we have determined that we do not have the ability to guarantee a safe and civil event,” Trost added. “We also do not have the resources that would be necessary to provide adequate security for such a high-profile event.”
Republicans claim Biden’s threat to surrender arms from Israel shows he ‘supports Hamas’ victory’
A pro-Palestinian protester holds a Palestinian flag in front of Sproul Hall during a planned protest on the UC Berkeley campus in Berkeley, California. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group, via AP)
Garvey, a former baseball player, and Schiff are running for the key Senate seat held by longtime Sen. Dianne Feintein until her death in October 2023.
Garvey said in a statement to FOX News Digital that it is “horrendous” that anti-Israel protesters are “dictating campus policy” and blocking educational opportunities.
“It is egregious that violent pro-Hamas protesters are dictating campus policy, creating a dangerous environment for students and preventing unique educational opportunities such as hosting this debate,” Garvey said. said.
Pro-Palestinian protesters march with placards in front of Sathergate on the University of California, Berkeley campus on April 22, 2024 in Berkeley, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Garvey called on college campuses to “stop pandering” to anti-Israel protesters.
“School administrators and politicians must stop pandering to these anti-Semitic campus occupations and riots. It’s time to stand up for democracy, free speech, and the safety of students, faculty, staff, and events. ” he said. “This is a sad day for the University of California, Berkeley.”
Republican ‘sects’ claim victory, accusing Biden of capitulating to anti-Israel agitators
Schiff could not be reached for comment, but he has previously called for an end to anti-Semitic and hateful speech on campus.
“Jewish students should feel safe on campus. Of course,” Schiff wrote in the X post. “That will never happen if we allow situations like the Columbia, where anti-Semitic and hateful rhetoric is displayed loud and proud. This has to stop.”
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators demonstrate in front of Sathergate on the University of California, Berkeley campus on April 22, 2024 in Berkeley, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Rep. Schiff, Christine Trost, and the University of California, Berkeley’s media department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
