Pro-Hamas, Pro Israel Protestors Clash at UCLA's Usually Tranquil Royce Quadrangle

UCLA's grassy quadrangle in front of Royce Hall has been occupied by protestors calling for the elimination of Israel and it's replacement by a Palestinian State.

The protestors are living in tents which they say echoes the conditions of Gazans since Hamas' October 7th attack on Israel which killed 1200 Israelis, mostly civilians.

There are also pro-Israel and Jewish counter protestors. So far, the protests at UCLA have been peaceful. But there is the potential for them to get out of hand, given the strong feelings on both sides.

Student with a shofar walks by Palestine protestors on UCLA's Royce Hall Quad

USC cancelled its graduation last night, after 100 or so protestors were arrested and removed from campus forcefully. USC had previously said a pro-Hamas Moslem woman and class valedictorian, would not be allowed to give a commencement address on Campus

USC cited the risk to students and parents if the main graduation went forward. There will be single school graduations (i.e., USC Law School) next week.

Sia Kordestani on X.com

A student activist calls for the killing of UCLA Jewish students

The protests have taken place at campuses nationwide. They are apparently coordinated and paid for by a common source.

Many of the protesters are not actually students or faculty at the universities where they are protesting, although some are.