Pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers at the University of California, Los Angeles on Monday, resulting in more than 20 arrests. The protesters were attempting to re-establish a protest encampment on campus in the final days of the spring quarter.
The demonstration began with a funeral procession, honoring Palestinians killed during the Israel-Hamas war. The protesters were vocal ahead of commencement ceremonies and a decision on the next U.C.L.A. chancellor.
The university has faced a tumultuous spring, with violent attacks by supporters of Israel and the dismantlement of a pro-Palestinian encampment. Administrators initially allowed the encampment to stand, citing free speech policies, but tensions escalated as supporters of Israel confronted the demonstrators.
Chancellor Gene Block, who is set to step down in July, faced criticism for his handling of the protests. The University of California’s employee union voted to strike over alleged discrimination against pro-Palestinian speech, but a judge temporarily halted the strike.
The protest on Monday occurred just before the University of California regents are set to choose Mr. Block’s successor. The clash between protesters and law enforcement highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses.
