Los Angeles, California – In response to a violent attack on pro-Palestinian protesters by a masked group on campus, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is taking action to enhance campus safety. The incident, which took place last week, has sparked widespread criticism of the authorities’ slow response.
Chancellor Gene Block of UCLA announced the creation of a new office dedicated to campus safety to address the urgent need for enhanced security measures. This new office will oversee the university police department and the UCLA office of emergency management effective immediately.
The recent violence at UCLA is part of a broader trend of protests and clashes occurring at universities across the United States. Demonstrators supporting the Palestinian cause established an encampment on the campus, leading to escalating tensions.
In the aftermath of the violent incident, which saw a mob assaulting pro-Palestinian demonstrators, both the police and the university faced harsh criticism. The governor of California described the response to the attack as “unacceptable.” However, the UCLA police chief defended the actions taken, while a union for UC police departments pointed fingers at administrators.
To lead the new office of campus safety, UCLA appointed Rick Braziel, a former police chief in Sacramento with experience in high-profile incidents. An advisory group consisting of law enforcement, a professor, and a UC official will collaborate with Braziel to enhance campus security processes.
The actions taken by UCLA are aimed at creating a secure environment for all students and staff to pursue their studies and careers. Despite the dismantling of the encampment and the resumption of classes, unrest persists on campus, with reports of further detentions by the police.