UCLA student tears into 'Squad' for 'glorifying' anti-Israel agitators: They should be 'ashamed'
FOX NewsMay 19
University of California Campuses Set to Enforce Ban on Encampments, Masks
Above: A protestor carries a Palestinian flag at a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus on April 30, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Image copyright: Mario Tama/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The University of California is set to strictly enforce its ban on encampments, blocking pathways, and masks that obscure identities across its ten campuses going forward.
University of California President Michael Drake Monday said free speech should not impede "orderly operations" and community members' personal safety or civil rights.
The Spin
Conservative narrative
The recent wave of student encampments on university campuses crossed the line from peaceful protest to disruptive and dangerous behavior. These actions go beyond protected free speech, with incidents of violence against Jewish students, property damage, and obstruction of public spaces. Such encampments intimidate others, disrupt campus life, and violate university policies and local laws. Allowing these to continue undermines the educational environment and fails to prepare students for real-world responsibilities.
Progressive narrative
The "Free Palestine" campus encampments, earlier this year, demonstrated the power of collective action and community building. They created a microcosm of an abolitionist world, complete with essential services like healthcare, security, and education. The encampment fostered a deeply democratic environment, solving complex problems through collaboration and inclusivity. They proved that sustained, peaceful resistance can raise awareness, support the Palestinian people, and build community even in the face of broader political obstacles.