A group of over 30 pro-Palestinian agitators who set up a Gaza encampment at UCLA last April are suing the university, alleging their civil rights were violated during violent clashes with a pro-Israel counter-protest group. The lawsuit also claims wrongful arrest and excessive use of force by police.
The encampment was part of a wave of pro-Palestinian protests at universities nationwide, many of which escalated into violence. Police were called to UCLA when fights between Gaza camp supporters and pro-Israel counter-protesters turned violent. The clashes lasted for hours, with individuals striking each other with sticks and using barricades as weapons.
According to the Associated Press, the lawsuit argues that UCLA is liable for damages due to injuries sustained by pro-Palestinian protesters. Some plaintiffs claim they were injured during the period when private security had left but before police intervened.
The lawsuit further alleges that UCLA engaged in “systemic anti-Palestinian bias” and called the police to “forcibly remove people expressing pro-Palestinian views.” Protesters claim they were subjected to excessive force and wrongful arrests.
“Encampment members witnessed the mob’s extreme violence, threats of violence, and UCLA’s failure to intervene,” the lawsuit states. “They saw people get their heads split open, suffer from open wounds and concussions, scream in pain and fear, with fireworks and mayhem all around them.”
On May 1 and 2, the Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol arrested dozens of protesters. The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for both physical and psychological injuries.
The clashes followed reports that Gaza camp agitators had physically blocked Jewish students from accessing campus grounds. In June, three Jewish students filed a separate lawsuit against UCLA, accusing the university of failing to protect them and allowing discrimination by pro-Palestinian protesters.
Last week, the Trump administration filed a legal brief in support of the Jewish students, as part of its broader efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses.
