UCLA Protests and Counterprotests: Disrupting the Educational Mission and Addressing Antisemitism

Los Angeles, California United States of America
A new pro-Palestinian encampment was established on UCLA's campus on May 23, 2024
Chancellor Block testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding complaints of campus antisemitism and student protests over the Israel-Hamas war
Protests and counterprotests at UCLA have disrupted the educational mission
`Students for Justice in Palestine` set up a Palestinian solidarity encampment on UCLA's campus on April 25, 2024
UCLA protesters who blocked students' passage have yet to be disciplined
Violent clashes between pro-Israeli counterprotesters and demonstrators occurred on April 30, resulting in over 200 arrests
UCLA Protests and Counterprotests: Disrupting the Educational Mission and Addressing Antisemitism

Protests and Counterprotests at UCLA: A Comprehensive Look

On May 23, 2024, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding complaints of campus antisemitism and student protests over the Israel-Hamas war.

The day of Chancellor Block's testimony was noteworthy for another reason: Pro-Palestinian protesters established a new encampment on UCLA's campus. The encampment, which disrupted normal access to classes and impaired the educational mission, came after violent clashes between pro-Israeli counterprotesters and demonstrators on April 30 that resulted in over 200 arrests.

Let's take a closer look at the events leading up to Chancellor Block's testimony and the establishment of the new encampment.

Protests Begin: April 25, 2024 On April 25, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) set up a Palestinian solidarity encampment on UCLA's campus. Jewish students and faculty complained about access restrictions and singling out of Zionists. Some students reported encountering repugnant rhetoric and images on campus.

Violent Clashes: April 30, 2024 On April 30, violent clashes between pro-Israeli counterprotesters and demonstrators occurred. The encampment was dismantled with over 200 arrests. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block conceded that errors in judgment were made during this time, acknowledging that the encampment disrupted normal access to classes and impaired the educational mission.

New Encampment: May 23, 2024 On May 23, a new pro-Palestinian encampment was established on UCLA's campus. Protesters put up large pieces of plywood and metal barriers and assembled tables, chairs, and tents in the courtyard between Kerckhoff and Moore halls. The group Students for Justice in Palestine posted on Instagram that it had established a second encampment at Kerckhoff.

Congressional Hearing: May 23, 2024 During Chancellor Block's testimony before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Republican members criticized UCLA's handling of protests. They labeled it exhibit A in how not to deal with protests. Rep. Ilhan Omar criticized UCLA leaders for standing by as a 'mob of agitators' gathered near the encampment and for failing to intervene.

UCLA Protesters: Disciplinary Action As of now, UCLA protesters who blocked students' passage have yet to be disciplined, according to Rep. Kevin Kiley.

Antisemitism on Campus: A Problem for UCLA Chancellor Block acknowledged that UCLA has a problem with antisemitism and that many Jewish students have encountered repugnant rhetoric and images on campus.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Are all students and faculty who support Israel being singled out?
  • Have all UCLA protesters who blocked students' passage been identified for disciplinary action?

Sources

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Pro-Palestinian protesters descend on UCLA campus

CBS News Site: https://www.cbsnews.com/articles/about-us/ Julie Sharp Friday, 24 May 2024 05:09
  • Unique Points
    • Pro-Palestinian protesters took over Dodd Hall at UCLA on May 23, 2024.
    • Demonstrators used tables, metal fences, plywood and other objects to create a barricade that blocked off a section of campus between Kerckhoff and Moore halls.
    • UCLA officials called for the dispersal of pro-Palestinian protesters after they erected barricades and established fortifications.
    • Protests disrupted campus operations, leading to orders for demonstrators to disperse or face arrest, disciplinary action, and a seven-day ban from campus.
    • Despite orders to disperse, protesters continued to march through campus and remained at Dodd Hall for several hours.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains a few instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. It uses loaded language such as 'pro-Palestinian protesters' and describes the protesters' actions as 'disrupting campus operations'. Additionally, there is an appeal to authority in the quote from Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck and Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Safety Rick Braziel. However, no formal logical fallacies are present.
    • . . . pro-Palestinian protesters . . .
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

What to Expect From the Latest Congressional Hearing on Campus Protests

The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Jacey Fortin Thursday, 23 May 2024 09:04
  • Unique Points
    • University leaders from Northwestern, Rutgers and UCLA testified before Congress on May 23, 2024
    • Republicans accused university leaders of giving in to pro-Palestinian demonstrators
    • Leaders acknowledged missteps in handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations
    • University leaders condemned episodes of antisemitism on campus
  • Accuracy
    • University leaders testified before Congress on May 23, 2024
    • Protesters took over Dodd Hall at UCLA on May 23, 2024.
    • UCLA officials called for the dispersal of pro-Palestinian protesters after they erected barricades and established fortifications.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

82%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

KTLA

KTLA News Marc Sternfield Thursday, 23 May 2024 20:16
  • Unique Points
    • Pro-Palestinian demonstrators built an encampment on Kerckhoff Patio at UCLA on Thursday.
    • Demonstrators are demanding UCLA divest from interests in Israel to protest Israeli military offensive in Gaza.
    • Officials declared the encampment an ‘unlawful assembly’ and removed it around 12:30 p.m., resulting in minor scuffles between police and protesters.
  • Accuracy
    • UCLA officials called for the dispersal of pro-Palestinian protesters after they erected barricades and established fortifications.
    • Protests disrupted campus operations, leading to orders for demonstrators to disperse or face arrest, disciplinary action, and a seven-day ban from campus.
    • University leaders acknowledged missteps in handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations
    • Students for Justice in Palestine warned of potential arrests and called for support.
    • The group put up large pieces of plywood and metal barriers, assembled tables, chairs, and tents in the courtyard between Kerckhoff and Moore halls.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article does not heavily lean on deceptive practices, but there are a few instances of selective reporting and emotional manipulation. The author highlights the disruption caused by the protest encampment without mentioning the reasons behind it or providing context for why demonstrators are demanding UCLA to divest from interests in Israel.
    • UCLA Chancellor Gene Block, who has come under scrutiny for a delayed police response to violence between pro-Palestinian protesters and counterprotesters, was among those who testified.
    • Demonstrators are demanding UCLA divest from interests in Israel to protest the Jewish state’s bloody military offensive in Gaza after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli civilians.
    • Law enforcement officers in riot gear took quick action to dismantle another encampment built by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the campus of UCLA on Thursday.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (90%)
    The author uses language that depicts the pro-Palestinian demonstrators as disruptive and unlawful, while also implying that their actions are extreme or unreasonable. For example, he describes the encampment as an 'unlawful assembly' and states that 'demonstrators are demanding UCLA divest from interests in Israel to protest the Jewish state’s bloody military offensive in Gaza after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli civilians.' The author does not provide any context or evidence to support these assertions and instead presents them as facts. Additionally, he quotes UCLA administrators making similar statements without questioning their accuracy or providing any counter-perspective.
    • demonstrators are demanding UCLA divest from interests in Israel to protest the Jewish state’s bloody military offensive in Gaza after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli civilians.
      • Demonstrators have been informed that if they do not disperse, they will face arrest and possible disciplinary action, as well as an order to stay away from campus for 7 days.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      78%

      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

      UCLA pro-Palestine protesters clash with police as chancellor testifies before Congress

      Fox Television Stations News Site (Fox LA/FOX 11) Alexa Mae Friday, 24 May 2024 05:12
      • Unique Points
        • A new pro-Palestinian encampment was established on UCLA’s campus on May 23, 2024.
        • Chancellor Gene Block testified before Congress on the same day as the encampment was established.
        • Students for Justice in Palestine warned of potential arrests and called for support.
        • The group put up large pieces of plywood and metal barriers, assembled tables, chairs, and tents in the courtyard between Kerckhoff and Moore halls.
      • Accuracy
        • ]A new pro-Palestinian encampment was established on UCLA's campus on May 23, 2024.[
        • Protesters clashed with police as they made their way toward Murphy Hall.
        • UCLA officials called for the dispersal of pro-Palestinian protesters after they erected barricades and established fortifications.
      • Deception (30%)
        The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position. The author does not disclose any sources and there are no quotes from opposing viewpoints. The title itself is sensationalized with the use of words like 'clash' and 'protesters take over building'. Additionally, the article implies facts without linking to peer-reviewed studies or providing evidence, such as when it states that UCLA invests in arms occupation and genocide supporting Israel's attack on the Palestinian people.
        • We’re here because the UC still has not divested the $32 billion that they invest in arms occupation and genocide, supporting Israel’s attack on the Palestinian people.
        • This comes as House Republicans summoned the leaders of UCLA, Northwestern University and Rutgers University to testify about concessions they gave to pro-Palestinian protesters to end demonstrations on their campus.
        • But the group warned the action could lead to arrest. ‘Please take the time to assess your risk before coming,’ the group warned.
        • A second encampment was established on UCLA’s campus Thursday, accompanied by protests on the same day Chancellor Gene Block testified before Congress on Capitol Hill.
      • Fallacies (85%)
        The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing the actions of the protesters as 'clashes with police' and 'fighting' without providing any context or evidence of actual violence. The author also quotes Ethan, a PhD student, making an appeal to morality and using loaded language such as 'genocide' and 'blood on their hands'. However, no fallacies were explicitly stated by the author.
        • ][author] The group quickly moved on and made its way inside. Police eventually moved in and cleared the building out, with most protesters gone by 5:30 p.m. There were no reports of arrests.[/]
        • protesters clashed with police.
        • we will continue fighting, doing what we can to pressure the school to divest that money out of genocide.
        • With the benefit of hindsight, we should have been prepared to immediately remove the encampment if and when the safety of our community was put at risk.
        • We must also maintain our commitment to academic freedom and free speech.
      • Bias (80%)
        The author uses language that depicts the protesters as extreme or unreasonable by describing their actions as 'clashing with police' and 'establishing a second encampment'. She also implies that the protesters are engaging in violence without providing any evidence to support this claim.
        • a second encampment at Kerckhoff patio
          • protesters clashed with police
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          76%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          4 takeaways from UCLA Chancellor Block’s testimony on campus protests

          The Los Angeles Times Jenny Jarvie Thursday, 23 May 2024 23:08
          • Unique Points
            • UCLA Chancellor Gene Block testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding complaints of campus antisemitism and student protests over the Israel-Hamas war.
            • Republicans used the hearing as an opportunity to criticize UCLA’s handling of protests, labeling it exhibit A in how not to deal with protests.
            • Students set up a Palestinian solidarity encampment on campus on April 25, which led to complaints from Jewish students and faculty about access restrictions and singling out of Zionists.
            • Violent clashes between pro-Israeli counterprotesters and demonstrators occurred on April 30, resulting in the dismantling of the encampment on May 2 with over 200 arrests.
            • Chancellor Block conceded that UCLA made errors in judgment and that the encampment disrupted normal access to classes and impaired the educational mission.
            • Block did not specify what actions UCLA could have taken to prevent discrimination or violence during protests, nor did he explain why the university did not take action when students reported discrimination from protesters.
            • Rep. Ilhan Omar criticized UCLA leaders for standing by as a ‘mob of agitators’ gathered near the encampment and for failing to intervene.
            • UCLA protesters who blocked students’ passage have yet to be disciplined, according to Rep. Kevin Kiley.
            • Block acknowledged that UCLA has a problem with antisemitism and that many Jewish students have encountered repugnant rhetoric and images on campus.
          • Accuracy
            • Students set up a Palestinian solidarity encampment on campus on April 25, which led to complaints from Jewish students and faculty about access restrictions and singling out of Zionists.
            • Violent clashes between pro-Israeli counterprotesters and demonstrators occurred on April 30, resulting in the dismantling of the encampment on May 2 with over 200 arrests.
            • Chancellor Block conceded that UCLA made errors in judgment and that the encampment disrupted normal access to classes and impaired the educational mission.
            • Rep. Ilhan Omar criticized UCLA leaders for standing by as a ‘mob of agitators’ gathered near the encampment and for failing to intervene.
            • UCLA protesters who blocked students’ passage have yet to be disciplined, according to Rep. Kevin Kiley.
          • Deception (30%)
            The article contains selective reporting as it only reports details that support the author's position. The author quotes Republican Congress members criticizing UCLA Chancellor Gene Block for his handling of protests and accusing him of allowing antisemitism to grow on campus. However, the article does not provide any context or quotes from Democratic congressmembers or other perspectives. Additionally, there is emotional manipulation as the author uses phrases like 'nurtured a campus culture of radicalism' and 'tolerated by administrators' to elicit an emotional response from readers.
            • For days, you stood by as Jews were assaulted and illegal checkpoints blocked access to campus in broad daylight.
            • Republicans … took it as an opportunity to score political points.
            • There's been no consequence whatsoever?
            • Why did you fail to immediately clear these checkpoints?
          • Fallacies (80%)
            The author makes an appeal to authority when quoting Virginia Foxx's statement about universities nurturing a campus culture of radicalism and antisemitism being tolerated. This is not a logical fallacy in itself, but it weakens the author's argument by relying on the opinion of one person rather than providing evidence or reasoning. Additionally, there are instances of inflammatory rhetoric used by both Republicans and Democrats during the hearing, such as 'exhibit A in how not to deal with protests' and 'mob of agitators'. These statements do not contribute to a constructive discussion on the issue.
            • “Over the course of years, decades even, universities gradually nurtured a campus culture of radicalism, in which antisemitism grew and became tolerated by administrators.”
            • “For days, you stood by as Jews were assaulted and illegal checkpoints blocked access to campus in broad daylight.”
            • “This happened in front of your eyes on your campus, and it was live streamed for the whole world to see.”
          • Bias (80%)
            The author, Jenny Jarvie, uses language that depicts one side (Republicans) as scoring political points and exploiting the situation for their own gain. She also does not provide any examples of antisemitic actions or statements made by the protesters themselves in the article.
            • “For days, you stood by as Jews were assaulted and illegal checkpoints blocked access to campus in broad daylight.”
              • “Over the course of years, decades even, universities gradually nurtured a campus culture of radicalism, in which antisemitism grew and became tolerated by administrators.”
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication