The U.S. Department of Education was asked Thursday to investigate civil rights violations at UCLA, where hundreds of people were arrested following days of protests by pro-Palestinian and counter-protesters.
Democratic Rep. Rick Chavez Zubru called for an “immediate” investigation to find out whether Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is being violated at UCLA, especially when it comes to protecting Jewish students from physical and verbal violence. I asked for
“We are concerned that the university allowed the situation to deteriorate with little regard for the personal safety of Jewish and Israeli-American students and their civil rights as enrolled students,” Zubru said in a statement. I feel very sorry.”
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects all people in the United States from discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
Zuburu pointed to evidence of potential violations of free speech, such as the case of a Jewish student who was denied entry to the main gate of Powell Library because he was a Zionist.
Eli Zives, a UCLA freshman who was photographed being blocked from accessing his classroom on Monday, said he was “scared about what was going on” on campus.
“I deserve to go here. I pay my tuition. This is our school,” Tsives can be seen saying on video as he is stopped by a group of people who appear to be pro-Palestinian protesters. It was shown in the clip.
In another incident, a demonstrator was caught on camera attacking a pro-Israel demonstrator and firing a Taser before being taken away by security.
“Free speech and the freedom to peacefully protest are fundamental pillars of our democracy, but violence, harassment, and intimidation are not speech and have no place on campus or anywhere,” Zubru said. stated in the letter. “I urge the U.S. Department of Education and the University of California Board of Regents to investigate the university's failures and hold those responsible accountable. We will never allow this to happen again. .
He also asked the University of California Board of Regents to conduct an independent investigation into UCLA's “failure to provide adequate security to keep students safe, including a slow law enforcement response to a violent attack.” requested to start.
Violent clashes broke out Tuesday night when pro-Israel protesters showed up at a pro-Palestinian encampment and tried to break down guardrails and plywood barriers.
University of California President Michael V. Drake said he would order an independent investigation into the university's actions and law enforcement's response.