Pro-Palestine Protest at UCLA Campus Leads to One Arrest
Protest Description
On Monday, October 21, a pro-Palestine protest was held on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. The event, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, a student group, aimed to build a temporary hut-like structure called a sukkah, a traditional Jewish holiday observance. The event was attended by approximately 150 students, faculty, and staff, and was intended to last until the end of the holiday week, on October 23.
Sukkot Celebration
Sukkot, a week-long harvest holiday, is celebrated by Jewish communities worldwide. The holiday involves building a temporary hut-like structure called a sukkah, which is lined with Jewish calendar pages. The holiday is a time for community gatherings, meal shared with family and friends, and reflecting on the blessings of the harvest. This year’s event focused on the theme of "Gaza Solidarity Sukkat," highlighting the plight of the Palestinian people and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Protest and Arrest
The protest was scheduled to take place on Dickson Court, but some unauthorized individuals arrived at the location and obstructed student pathways around 8:45 am. Police in riot gear were called to the scene to disperse the crowd, and one person was taken into custody for failing to disperse. The event involved about 40 people, with some counter-protestors and others expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Violence and Homophobic Slurs
One counter-protestor was captured on video tearing down part of the sukkah structure, spewing homophobic slurs, and expressing support for the Israeli government. This incident has raised concerns about the incident and the safety of the event attendees.
University Response
University officials acknowledged that the event was in violation of the university’s "Time, Place, and Manner" policies and issued several dispersal orders. The university has a long-standing policy of allowing free speech and expression, as long as it does not disrupt the normal functioning of the university or pose a threat to public safety.
UC Lawsuit
In May, a group of two students and two faculty members filed a lawsuit against the UC regents and university officials, alleging that their rights to free speech and expression were violated when pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at an encampment on campus. The plaintiffs claim that the university has failed to support free expression and has prioritized limiting the voices of pro-Palestinian groups.
Conclusion
The event, known as the "Gaza Solidarity Sukkah," has sparked controversy and raised questions about the limits of free speech and expression on campus. While the university has maintained that it supports free expression, the lawsuit and the arrest of a protester have highlighted concerns about the university’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights. The event has also sparked a conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of the university in addressing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Sukkot?
A: Sukkot is a week-long harvest holiday celebrated by Jewish communities worldwide. It is often marked by building a temporary hut-like structure called a sukkah and sharing meals with family and friends.
Q: What is the Gaza Solidarity Sukkah?
A: The Gaza Solidarity Sukkah is an event that combines the traditional Sukkot celebration with a focus on the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It highlights the plight of the Palestinian people and the need for a solution to the conflict.
Q: Why did the university eject the protesters?
A: The university maintained that the event was in violation of university policies, including those related to time, place, and manner, and issued dispersal orders to protect public safety.
Q: What is the lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit filed by four students and faculty members alleges that the university has failed to support free speech and expression and has limiting the voices of pro-Palestinian groups.
