UCLA removes police chief after campus Gaza melee; Details Here

UCLA had reopened its classes after a massive pro-Palestine protest and also created a campus safety role. Amid all safety measures, it saw a Gaza melee on the campus and to investigate the matter it has removed its chief of police.

Image source: Malay Mail

Study in USA: To investigate his officers' response to a violent melee on campus earlier this month, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has temporarily removed its chief of police.

As per a BBC report, UCLA Police Chief John Thomas will be replaced by Capt Gawin Gibson.

Mary Osako, vice chancellor for strategic communications, said, “UCLA created a new Office of Campus Safety that is leading a thorough examination of our security processes, aimed at enhancing the well-being and safety of our community," as reported by Indian Express.

Thomas said in a text to the campus newspaper, “There’s been a lot going on and, I learned late yesterday that I’m temporarily reassigned from my duties as chief," as reported by the Daily Bruin.

Mr Thomas reassigned, says UCLA Vice Chancellor

As per reports, when masked counter-protesters assaulted a pro-Palestinian student encampment and started fighting, the campus police waited for more than two hours to break up the fight. The counter-protestors attacked the encampment, released pepper spray, tore down barriers, and threw traffic cones.

UCLA Gaza melee effects on campus

Even the California governor's office called the police actions limited, delayed and unacceptable.

"The UCLA administration owns the failure of any protest response, and the public should reject their attempts to shift blame to law enforcement," said Federated University Peace Officers Association President Wade Stern.

UCLA Celebrates Undergraduate Research Week

More than 1,600 undergraduates showcased their innovative and impactful work at the university's largest undergraduate conference this week.

Justin Amakor Molecular, cell and developmental biology major and biomedical research minor said, "Conducting undergraduate research has made me realize the importance of mentorship, especially from people who look like me and come from a similar background. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to mentor and help other people pursue their passion for research."

Adelene Bertha, a Psychology major, stated, "The most rewarding part of this process has been building a sense of trust with the research participants who volunteered. I am confident this experience will help me accomplish my goal of working with communities that have limited resources and providing solutions to issues through research."

Read more:

• UCLA: Jewish girl sent to Emergency Room after reportedly beaten by pro-Palestine pro-testers
• UCLA to reopen classes after massive protest; Creates campus safety role