On Wednesday, a significant number of UC San Diego students participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration following the dismantling of the “Gaza Solidarity” encampment, which led to over 60 arrests.

Dubbed a “Student Strike for Palestine,” the walk-out commenced near the former encampment site and proceeded across campus before students gathered peacefully outside the Student Center.

The protest was a direct response to the university administration’s use of law enforcement to disband the encampment due to purported health and safety concerns. Video footage documented police employing force, including batons and pepper spray, resulting in minor injuries to some individuals.

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The student coalition behind the encampment, the “UCSD Divest Coalition,” decried the administration’s actions, emphasizing their commitment to divestment from Israel. They demanded the university reverse student suspensions and drop charges against detained protestors.

UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla’s decision to involve law enforcement has sparked backlash from faculty, alumni, and students, with calls for his resignation. Various groups have condemned the administration’s response, labeling it as authoritarian and detrimental to free speech.

Will UC System Academic Workers Go on Strike?

The labor union representing academic staff across the University of California system representing about 48,000 graduate students and other academic workers have authorized a strike.

Its members, incensed over the university system’s handling of campus protests, pushed their union to address concerns over protesting and speaking out in their workplace. The strike authorization vote passed with 79% support.

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