University of California, Los Angeles cancels classes after clashes erupt between protesters

University of California, Los Angeles, cancels all classes Wednesday after overnight clashes between protesters on campus.

Overnight clashes erupted at the University of California, Los Angeles, where opposing groups of protesters engaged in violent clashes involving shoving, kicking and wielding sticks. The clashes erupted after pro-Israel demonstrators attempted to dismantle barricades encircling a pro-Palestinian encampment.

On college campuses, many pro-Palestinian protesters are advocating for their institutions to divest funds from Israeli military operations. However, some Jewish students have expressed concerns about the protests being antisemitic and have voiced fears for their safety.

Earlier today, police intervened at Columbia University, entering a building occupied by anti-war protesters and dispersing a demonstration that had brought the school’s activities to a standstill.

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After a couple of hours of scuffles between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators at UCLA, police wearing helmets and face shields slowly separated the groups and quelled the violence. The scene was calm as day broke. UCLA canceled classes on Wednesday and urged people to avoid the area where the clashes happened.