UCLA creates new office dedicated to campus safety following growing criticism of authorities’ slow response to brutal attack on pro-Palestinian protesters by a mob of “agitators” Then he announced.
University President Gene Block said Sunday that urgent changes are needed to “better protect our community going forward,” adding that a new Office of Campus Safety will oversee university police and UCLA’s Office of Emergency Management. It will take effect immediately.” ”.
“It is clear that UCLA needs a unit and a leader whose sole responsibility is campus safety to get us through these tense times,” Block said. statement.
UCLA has been rocked by large-scale demonstrations and violence in recent weeks, some of the largest such actions since the Vietnam War, as protests unfold at universities across the country. Protesters set up a Palestine Solidarity encampment in the center of campus last month.
Last weekend, thousands of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators gathered at UCLA, leading to clashes on campus. Days later, a masked group marched through campus and attacked pro-Palestinian demonstrators while law enforcement and campus security looked on. The violence shocked students and the university canceled classes on Wednesday. Police cleared the pro-Palestinian encampment soon after and arrested hundreds of people.
Police and universities have come under fire for their response to violent attacks on protesters, which California Governor Gavin Newsom also condemned as “unacceptable.” The UCLA police chief rejected the criticism, saying: Los Angeles Times He did everything he could, but This was announced by the University of California Police Department’s union. That responsibility rested with the administrator.
Block announced that Rick Brazil, who previously served as Sacramento Police Chief, will lead UCLA’s new office. Brazil has served on teams that examine law enforcement responses in high-profile cases, such as the Uvalde school shooting in Texas.
An advisory group whose members include law enforcement, professors and University of California community safety officials will “partner” with Brazil, Block’s statement said. UCLA and his UC Chancellor’s Office will investigate campus security processes.
“These actions are essential to creating a safe environment in which everyone at UCLA can pursue their studies and careers with confidence,” Block said.
Although the UCLA encampment has been cleared, unrest continues. Police detained dozens of people in a university parking lot Monday morning. This was announced by the Campus Police Department. daily bruinUCLA’s student newspaper reported that police officers arrested 43 people on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. journalist and legal observer He was reportedly among those arrested. Pro-Palestinian students staged a demonstration and sit-in on campus late Monday.
UCLA Office of Emergency Management Alert sent It announced on social media around 4 p.m. that all classes would be held remotely until May 10 “due to ongoing disruption.” Royce Hall and Powell Library are also closed until May 10, and students and staff are advised to avoid the area.
