Recent student protests at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) led to significant unrest, resulting in numerous arrests. These demonstrations were largely centered around the United States’ involvement in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Protests Escalate

During several days of protests, the situation at UCLA’s Dickson Court deteriorated quickly. Reports describe scenes of chaos as a large group of masked counterprotesters attempted to breach a protester’s encampment. They employed tactics such as destroying barriers, spraying bear mace, and even using fireworks both near and within the encampment.

At USC, the police issued warnings to disperse, ultimately leading to approximately 100 students being arrested after further police announcements made it clear that remaining in the area would result in trespassing charges.

Administrative Responses

Both UCLA and USC administrations commented on the incidents, with UCLA Chancellor Gene Block labeling it as “a dark chapter in our campus’s history” and USC President Carol Folt stating that the protests created an “unsafe” environment.

Legal Outcomes of Arrests

As of now, the Los Angeles city attorney’s office has opted not to pursue criminal charges against the majority of those arrested during the protests. This decision follows a review of over 300 referrals from arrests, with only two individuals facing formal charges.

City Attorney Haydee Feldstein Soto explained that most cases were dismissed due to insufficient evidence or the universities’ inability to assist in identifying individuals.

Identified Charges

The only individuals facing charges are Edan On and Matthew Katz, both associated with pro-Israel demonstrations at UCLA. On has been charged with battery and assault with a deadly weapon, while Katz faces accusations of battery, false imprisonment, and resisting arrest.

Additionally, three other individuals, arrested at both campuses, are scheduled for informal city attorney hearings, meant to provide an alternative route to misdemeanor prosecution.

Community Reactions

The decision to file charges has met with varied responses. The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) supported this move, calling for greater accountability regarding what they termed as “brutal assaults” on peaceful demonstrators. Dina Chehata, a CAIR-LA civil rights attorney, stated, “This filing is an important step, but it is only the first step.”

Conversely, Amelia Jones, a professor at USC, endorsed the decision not to prosecute most of the arrested, emphasizing the importance of protecting students’ rights to protest freely.