CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has decided not to participate in a speaking event at UCLA due to concerns for her safety. A spokesperson for CBS explained that they always adhere to security team recommendations, adding that this situation is consistent with that practice.
Weiss was set to deliver a talk at the annual Daniel Pearl Memorial Lecture, an event that honors Daniel Pearl, the Jewish journalist who was kidnapped and killed by terrorists in 2002. The network mentioned they are currently collaborating with UCLA to find a new date for the lecture.
According to Steve Lurie, UCLA’s vice president and chief safety officer, the university had prepared a robust safety plan for Weiss’ visit, which was slated for February 27. He clarified that the decision to cancel the lecture originated from Weiss’ team, not UCLA. Lurie emphasized that the university is committed to ensuring safe environments for all events on campus, tailored to reflect a variety of perspectives.
The invitation extended to Weiss had sparked some pushback at UCLA, with the university’s Daily Bruin reporting that a petition to cancel her talk had reportedly collected nearly 11,000 signatures.
Despite her alignment with more liberal viewpoints, Weiss has faced criticism from the far-left who have accused her of harboring pro-MAGA sentiments. Decisions under her leadership, such as appointing Tony Dokoupil as anchor for “CBS Evening News” and other editorial choices, have come under intense scrutiny.
In December, Weiss referenced comments made by “60 Minutes” correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi regarding a segment that was aired before its broadcasting. Alfonsi suggested the decision was politically motivated, while Weiss attempted to gather insights from the Trump administration.
Even after the segment aired, Weiss and CBS News were met with a considerable backlash from liberal critics.
