The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is facing pressure from over 300 faculty members to denounce campus protests endorsing Hamas terrorists’ attacks against Israel. The faculty members signed a letter demanding that the university take a strong stance against any demonstrations that incite violence. While acknowledging that there are differing views on the complex situation between Israel and the Palestinians, the faculty emphasized that Hamas’ massacre should be condemned regardless of political perspectives.
In their letter, the faculty urged UCLA leadership to make unequivocal statements condemning the attacks and to reject any moral equivalence or ambiguity. They emphasized that while freedom of speech and assembly are important, the university must prevent hate speeches and celebrations of the Hamas massacre from crossing the line into unlawful incitement. The faculty expressed horror at pro-Palestinian rallies on campus that celebrated the Hamas massacres and included explicit calls for violence.
The letter highlighted the significant loss of life and injuries resulting from the recent escalation of violence between Gaza and Israel. It also mentioned that many individuals have been taken hostage, raped, tortured, and murdered by Hamas. The faculty drew attention to the fear and intimidation created by these celebrations on campus and argued that UCLA should denounce them, just as it would denounce celebrations of other historical tragedies.
The faculty called on the university to take action, including releasing a public statement condemning the celebrations of Hamas terror attacks. They also urged UCLA to label Hamas as a terrorist organization and hold student groups and community members accountable if they directly participate in incitement. For example, distributing event invitations that encourage incitement would be considered direct participation.
The letter comes at a time when pro-Palestinian student groups at various colleges and universities have shown support for Hamas’ attacks against Israel, despite condemnations from the institutions themselves. Jewish students on campuses have faced threats and harassment since the attacks began. In response, Columbia University recently suspended two student organizations, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, for repeatedly violating university policies and engaging in threatening rhetoric and intimidation.
The faculty’s letter demonstrates the urgent need for UCLA to address the issue of campus celebrations of Hamas attacks. It highlights the importance of denouncing violence and incitement, regardless of political views, in order to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and faculty.
