Protesters Clash with Police at UCLA Campus
WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden has urged pro-Palestinian protesters on university campuses to uphold the rule of law.
In his first direct remarks about a wave of student unrest, Biden stated, “We are a civil society, and order must prevail.”
Police have detained over 2,000 individuals nationwide in the past two weeks at college rallies and protest camps, with 209 arrests early Thursday at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Hundreds of officers in riot gear descended upon UCLA’s main campus before dawn, clearing out the pro-Palestinian camp with flash bangs, flares, and police buses.
UCLA labeled the camp as “unlawful and a breach of policy,” citing unsafe conditions and disruption to campus activities.
Biden, addressing the protests nationwide, emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations, stating, “There’s the right to protest but not the right to cause chaos.”
The Uncommitted National Movement criticized Biden for his response, accusing him of “smearing” anti-war protesters and not listening to the voices of young people.
The protests, in support of Gaza, have spread to nearly 140 colleges in 45 states and six other countries, with calls for a ceasefire and divestment from Israel.
Some campuses have seen violent clashes and reports of antisemitic harassment, including the recent tensions at UCLA’s main campus.
After a masked pro-Israeli group attacked the tent camp, police faced criticism for their response, leading to a tight security cordon on campus.
Despite claims of peaceful protest from students like Kenza, UCLA announced limited campus operations and remote instruction for classes.
While some institutions have reached agreements with protesters, arrests have been made at various universities, including Yale, Dartmouth, and the University of Texas at Dallas. — BBC
