Dear Community,

We at the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute are deeply saddened about the events that transpired on our campus this week. The forceful removal of student protesters by the Los Angeles Police Department is not only disturbing, but it was also a total abdication of our promise to keep students safe from harm. It was a dark day for UCLA.

As an institution dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all voices can be heard, UCLA LPPI reaffirms our unwavering support for the right of students to engage in peaceful protest. This right is fundamental to the democratic process and is one of the cornerstones of higher education.

We are troubled by the use of force against students who were participating in a peaceful assembly and who were victims of violence themselves the night before. The escalation of violence and reports of the deployment of measures such as rubber bullets against peaceful protesters are alarming and have absolutely no place at the No. 1 public university in the U.S.

UCLA LPPI stands in solidarity with our students and remains committed to upholding the principles of the First Amendment. We urge all parties to engage in open and constructive dialogue to foster a campus environment that respects the rights of all individuals to express their views safely and without fear.

In solidarity,

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute