UCLA Chancellor Denounces Controversial 9/11 Event
The Chancellor of UCLA, Julio Frenk, has expressed his disapproval of a recent 9/11 event held at the university, which featured several contentious speakers, including the defense attorney for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the man believed to be behind the 9/11 attacks.
Frenk’s remarks came in support of UCLA professor Judea Pearl, who criticized the university for allowing the lawyer who represents the jihadist responsible for the murder of his son, journalist Daniel Pearl, to participate in the program.
“Judea Pearl is an important and respected member of our community, and I hold him and the legacy of his son in high regard,” Frenk stated. He acknowledged the pain caused by the brutal murder of Daniel Pearl and reiterated support for the families impacted by the September 11 attacks.
He criticized the event, which took place over two days, highlighting a Yale professor’s claim that post-9/11 counterterrorism measures are “racist.”
“UCLA stands firmly against antisemitism and terrorism, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone on our campus is treated with dignity,” Frenk asserted, clarifying that the university does not endorse events like the one held at the UCLA School of Law.
Unfortunately, this particular event neglected to include any voices representing the victims of the 9/11 attacks, welcoming instead speakers known for progressive viewpoints. Frenk remarked that “academic freedom is not a license to be silent on issues of antisemitism or terrorism.”
He further emphasized that just because someone speaks at UCLA, it should not be interpreted as the university’s validation of their views or disregard for the hurt they may inflict on the community.
Judea Pearl expressed being quite taken aback by the event’s nature. He remarked that some colleagues had informed him about UCLA Law School’s unfortunate tendency to “weaponize the painful days of 9/11 to push forward harmful ideologies,” which he found deeply shameful.
He insisted that commemorative events related to 9/11 should honor the victims, particularly innocent lives lost during the attacks.
Among the speakers was Melanie T. Partow, a civil rights attorney slated to discuss topics like “Torture, Rendition, and Detention: The Erosion of the Rights Regime post 9/11.” She has represented Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and attracted attention for a recent arrest warrant she issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Other speakers included those with inflammatory views, including one who likened Israel to Nazi Germany and a professor who has made controversial statements about crime in the context of activism.
This event unfolds amid increasing scrutiny of UCLA, which has faced legal challenges from the Trump administration over claims of campus antisemitism and inadequate protection for Jewish students and staff.
Survivors and families of 9/11 victims have denounced the event. Jim McCaffrey, a retired FDNY lieutenant who responded to the attacks, called the situation “absurd,” expressing frustration at the perception of victims as somehow to blame for the attacks. “What’s wrong with academia?” he wondered.
Sally Regenhard, whose son was an FDNY firefighter killed in the attacks, expressed her disbelief that 9/11 families must continue to endure such controversies. “Crazy people say crazy things,” she stated, emphasizing her anger over the lack of justice for 9/11 perpetrators.
The UCLA Law School framed the event as a way to analyze the long-term effects of 9/11 on contemporary discussions surrounding race, migration, surveillance, and international law, but critics feel it missed the mark.
This symposium is also intended to touch upon sensitive global issues, such as the situation in Gaza and the concept of “White Christian nationalism.”
Overall, this incident adds to the series of controversies surrounding UCLA, stirring tensions in a university environment where discussions of difficult and sensitive topics are often met with divided opinions.
