UCLA Campus Divided by Pro-Israel vs. Pro-Palestine Protest; Fortifications Erected amidst Ceasefire Calls

Friday marked Day 2 of the protests that have taken over UCLA’s campus. Pro-Israel supporters could be heard blasting music outside the perimeter of the pro-Palestine demonstration, which has now been fortified with metal fencing and private security guards in its quad location. The protestors from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and UC Divest Coalition at UCLA are demanding that their university divests any funds allocated towards Israel as well as publicly calling on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas during the ongoing conflict.
The protesters claim that they haven’t heard back from administration after presenting this proposal to them, with Shah stating: “the administration likes to play blind and deaf to our protest.” Only selected individuals demonstrating are permitted to interact with journalists while reporters must check in at a specific desk prior entering the fenced area. When questioned regarding their stance on Hamas by FOX 11’s reporter, SJP failed to denounce it explicitly saying instead that: “Our main focus and priority is the genocide happening now in Gaza.”
Outside of this encampment are counter-protesters supporting Israel as well as Jewish UCLA students. Tavakoli shared her experience stating: “I’m an alumni here, my brother goes here; he came home last night and said that it didn’t feel like a peaceful or safe campus.” On the contrary to their demand of allowing every student into camp undetected, one protester claimed she was confrontational by other demonstrators after refusing to check in with them. She further explained: “Bro said ‘you look Israeli.’ I am confused because sometimes looking Israeli could mean looking good as Bro made it sound.”
A handful of UCLA staff members are also present near the encampment, holding a banner close by while calling for their students’ safety and wellbeing. The Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications at UCLA, Mary Osako issued an official statement regarding this issue stating: “UCLA’s approach to the encampment is guided by several equally important principles: the need to support the safety and well-being of Bruins, the need to support free expression rights of our community, and the need to minimize disruption to our teaching and learning mission.” The university’s systemwide policy guidance directs them not to request law enforcement involvement until there is a dire requirement for their assistance to preserve campus inhabitants. The protesters have fortified the camp with buffet tables, reading areas as well as medical tents in addition to metal fencing and private security guards.