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Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Questions and Deflections

Blog readers will probably have seen the latest statement from the chancellor since the encampment was cleared - and now the campus is back to remote instruction for this week. The statement is reproduced below in case not. However, it is somewhat of a deflection at this point. The focus of the statement is entirely on identifying the thugs who came on campus a week ago and identifying them. But here's the thing: After a very prolonged delay, the police did intervene. Presumably, in such a situation - an encounter with men with bats - there would be arrests. And when someone is arrested, you find out quickly who they are. So, how can it be that a week later we are still talkiing about identifying them? It can only mean that there were no arrests. How is that even possible?

Moreover, the events of last Tuesday did not occur in a vacuum. There was a growing perception that things were out of control at UCLA, that confrontations would occur without consequences, and that there would be no interventions. Social media and conventional TV amplified that impression. So, as our previous posts have noted, we have a management reshuffle, we have a couple of officials thrown under the bus, but no apology for letting things get to that point.

And, by the way, if you are looking for culprits to identify, how about whoever did this (also on last Tuesday)? No statement about that attack has come from the chancellor. Why? Perhaps at least an apology to Eleanor is a week overdue.



And finally, there is that upcoming congressional hearing coming up. You know, the one at which the is-it-ok-to-call-for-Genocide question has been asked of previous university heads. Perhaps the chancellor, in prepping for that question, might consider a related question. Is it ok for the head of the USAC Cultural Affairs Commission - which is supported by student fees - to do so? See below:



We look forward to future statements from the chancellor. But here is the latest one:

May 6, 2024
Investigation into Tuesday, April 30 Attack on our Campus

Chancellor Block shared the following message with the UCLA campus community.

Dear Bruin Community:

Last Tuesday night, a group of instigators came to Royce Quad and violently attacked students, faculty and staff members who were encamped to advocate for Palestinian rights. This was a truly despicable act, and in my message to the campus the following day, I committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.

This remains an important priority. To that end, inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement investigation to identify the perpetrators of the violence and hold them to account. The LAPD has committed a detective to assist in our investigative efforts, and we have also connected with the FBI about possible assistance. We have spoken to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to solicit his help in ensuring that the instigators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
 
AVC Braziel and I have directed UCPD to invest whatever resources are needed to conduct a rapid and thorough investigation into the violent attack. UCPD is currently reviewing all available footage from last Tuesday night and speaking to witnesses who were present. We urge anyone who saw the violence firsthand or who has information about the attack to report it as soon as possible.
  
Our new Office of Campus Safety — under AVC Braziel’s leadership — is also conducting a careful review of UCPD’s response to the Tuesday night attack. In addition, we are conducting an analysis of UCLA’s security protocols and a broader assessment of all acts of violence over the last 12 days, including those against counter-protestors. AVC Braziel’s office will create a plan that puts in place key learnings and additional means of protecting the well-being of everyone on our campus.

Holding the instigators of this attack accountable and enhancing our campus safety operations are both critical. Our community members can only learn, work and thrive in an environment where they feel secure.
 
Sincerely,
Gene D. Block
Chancellor

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