UCLA Meeting Ends Without Vote on Chancellor’s Rebuke
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Academic Senate convened on Friday. However, the meeting ended without voting on a formal rebuke of the school’s chancellor, Gene Block.
This decision followed a week of controversy. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were attacked for hours without police intervention. Furthermore, more than 200 protesters were later arrested.
The Virtual Meeting and Its Attendees
The Senate meeting was virtual and was attended by several hundred members. These included faculty members who met certain criteria. However, only members of a smaller group known as the Legislative Assembly were eligible to vote on the resolutions.
Carlos Santos, an associate professor of social welfare, voiced his support for a no-confidence vote. He stated, “For many of us, we feel strongly that the actions and inaction of our chancellor warrant a vote of no confidence.”
Chancellor’s Response to Resolutions
Chancellor Block, 75, refrained from commenting on the resolutions. Despite announcing his retirement in July, the vote could have reflected faculty sentiments about free speech and campus climate.
On Friday, dozens of speakers shared their experiences of rushing to aid beaten students amidst the protests. Many emphasized that a no-confidence vote was primarily an indicator of Block’s lost faculty support. Few speakers opposed the measures, although concerns about antisemitism among protesters were raised.
Other Universities Joining the Rebuke
If the Senate passes the resolutions, UCLA will join a list of universities whose faculty and staff have united with protesters to rebuke their administrators. For example, the University of Southern California voted to censure its president earlier this week.
Mounting Frustration with Chancellor Block
Frustration with Chancellor Block has been escalating since April 30. Counterprotesters confronted a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, leading to a series of violent incidents. The administration’s response to the encampment has been criticized, particularly the lack of police intervention during the attacks.
Looking ahead, the UCLA Academic Senate is set to revisit the issue at its next meeting on May 16. As the global spotlight remains on the university’s handling of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the forthcoming vote could significantly impact its reputation and administrative future.
