Los Angeles, California – Over 1,000 members of the University of California faculty and staff have come together to demand justice following a series of brutal attacks at UCLA. The faculty and staff signed a letter that was released after a night of vigilante violence on the UCLA campus, criticizing Chancellor Gene Block for failing to protect students’ safety and free speech rights. The incident occurred on April 30, 2024, when a violent mob attacked students who had been peacefully assembled on the campus.
The group of faculty and staff outlined a list of demands in the letter, condemning the violent attacks on students and calling for immediate action to address the situation. They expressed their dismay at the failure of UCLA leadership to intervene as the attacks escalated throughout the night, leaving students with injuries and lasting trauma. The faculty highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in addressing the events that took place.
Representatives of 800 faculty members held a press conference on Thursday, May 9, attempting to deliver the letter to Chancellor Gene Block at Murphy Hall. However, they were denied entrance by security guards, leading to further tensions on the campus. The letter explicitly demanded Chancellor Block’s resignation and urged the UCLA Academic Senate and UC-AFT to pursue a vote of no confidence.
In addition to calling for the protection of free speech and assembly rights, the letter requested UCLA to drop all legal charges and grant full amnesty to those involved in the protests. The faculty and staff also emphasized the need for financial and healthcare assistance for affected students, including coverage for medical bills and trauma-informed mental healthcare services. These demands reflect a larger outcry for accountability and support for those impacted by the violent events.
As tensions continue to rise at UCLA, discussions of potential labor actions and strikes are being considered by faculty and staff. The letter serves as a unified voice of condemnation and a call for action in ensuring the safety and well-being of the UCLA community. It underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights and fostering a campus environment that prioritizes the welfare of students, faculty, and staff.