UC Riverside Reaches Accord with Pro-Palestinian Organizations, Advocating for Peaceful Resolution to Encampment
UC Riverside Chancellor Kim Wilcox announced a formal accord between the university and Students for Justice in Palestine, resulting in concessions that paved the way for a commitment to peacefully end the “solidarity encampment” protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“I am pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement that will lead to the peaceful conclusion of the encampment by no later than midnight tonight,” stated Wilcox on Friday morning. “This agreement will be executed in accordance with state and federal laws. My aim has been to resolve this issue peacefully, and I am encouraged by this outcome, which arose from constructive dialogue.”
Wilcox underscored UCR’s commitment to students’ rights to engage in peaceful free speech. “While this agreement does not alter the realities of the Gaza conflict, I appreciate that we can engage in constructive and peaceful discussions on addressing these complex matters,” he remarked, acknowledging ongoing concerns about antisemitism and Islamophobia.
What’s in the agreement?
The agreement outlined a concise set of priorities now at the forefront for campus administrators, the Academic Senate, and Associated Students of UCR in general.
A primary focus among the agreed-upon actions was addressing the current investment strategy of UCR’s endowment managed by the University of California Investments Office.
At the outset of the encampment, the UCR chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine demanded divestment from companies involved in weapons manufacturing and supporting the Israeli military.
The new agreement mandates full public disclosure of the investment portfolio, with both parties unanimously agreeing that future endowment decisions should align with the university’s financial and ethical principles.
Regarding divestment, a member of the UCR Students for Justice in Palestine chapter stated, “We will ensure ethical investment practices through regular financial oversight and transparency, with financial records soon to be accessible to the public.”
A task force comprising students and faculty will present a report on this issue to the UCR Board of Trustees next winter. Additionally, UCR’s School of Business has ceased its “Global Programs” in Israel and other countries.
Furthermore, UCR will revise its approval process for all study-abroad programs to ensure compliance with UC’s Anti-Discriminatory Policies, as stated in the compact.
Signatories to the agreement included Chancellor Wilcox, several vice chancellors, UCR-Students for Justice in Palestine President Hibah Nassar, and her negotiating counterpart, Samia Alkam, a PhD student.
The conclusion of the UCR encampment sharply contrasted with events at UCLA, where police in riot gear forcibly arrested and removed student protesters.
GOP lawmakers call for revocation of financial aid for student protesters who commit violence
California Republican legislators advocate withdrawing financial aid from student protesters engaging in violence on college campuses. Introduced by GOP lawmakers on Thursday, the proposal seeks penalties for universities permitting violence during demonstrations. Advocates argue for the dismissal of school administrators accountable for such incidents. However, its passage is unlikely in the Democratic-controlled Legislature.
Jewish groups promote state antisemitism plan
Jewish organizations, such as the American Jewish Committee, convened a press conference in Los Angeles on Friday to advocate for the Golden State Plan To Counter Antisemitism.
Criticism has been directed towards UCLA’s handling of this week’s protest, with Chancellor Gene Block receiving blame. Jeffrey Abrams, ADL Los Angeles’ regional director, emphasized the need for Chancellor Block to demonstrate leadership by holding accountable those who violated codes of conduct and laws.
During the conference, a UCLA student expressed feeling unsafe at school due to threats against Zionists. She stressed that anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism.
