Los Angeles, CA – A group of individuals including students, faculty, journalists, and community members have initiated a lawsuit against officials of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), alleging their failure to protect them from violent attacks by pro-Israel thugs and local law enforcement during the spring semester of 2024. The lawsuit, announced at a press conference, aims to bring attention to the violence inflicted upon the plaintiffs by counter-protesters and law enforcement, highlighting the need for accountability and justice.
The plaintiffs detailed incidents where they were physically assaulted, shot, and subjected to violent attacks while protesting in support of Palestine. Despite the presence of multiple police agencies nearby, the plaintiffs claim that their calls for help went unanswered, pointing to a lack of protection and support from university officials. The lawsuit specifically calls out UCLA’s sanctioning of a violent counter protest near a Palestinian solidarity encampment, accusing university officials of turning a blind eye to the violence directed towards them.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs identify specific individuals involved in the violent mob attack, aiming to expand the legal action to hold all perpetrators accountable for their actions. The suit also names the University of California Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, and California Highway Patrol as defendants for their role in the violent crackdown on the peaceful protest encampment and subsequent arrests on campus.
One of the plaintiffs, Thistle Boosinger, alleges that she suffered a broken hand during the attacks, leading to ongoing physical and emotional distress. Despite video evidence linking certain individuals to the violence, authorities have failed to make arrests or press charges, adding to the frustration and sense of injustice felt by the plaintiffs.
The lawsuit seeks to not only hold responsible parties accountable but also to spark broader change within UCLA, calling for divestment and policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. While legal action is a step towards justice, the plaintiffs emphasize the need for collective action and support from the community to combat Zionist violence and protect freedom of speech on college campuses.
As the plaintiffs continue to pursue justice through the courts, they are also calling for solidarity from workers and the broader community to address the systemic issues that enable such violence to persist. The fight against fascist violence and the defense of democratic principles require a unified effort rooted in a revolutionary socialist program to dismantle oppressive systems and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.