In a plot twist as unexpected as a pop quiz, UCLA police recently arrested 25 protesters after declaring their pro-Palestinian encampment on campus illegal (NBC, 2024; CNN, 2024). The encampments, which popped up faster than you could say "mid-term stress relief," quickly transitioned from peaceful protest to an urgent lesson in civil disobedience.

What began as an unauthorized encampment quickly attracted the university’s attention, resulting in the police accusing protesters of vandalizing university property and disrupting final exams (NBC, 2024; CNN, 2024). Clearly, some students had a different interpretation of “academic freedom,” one that involved redefining campus landmarks and pre-exam stress relief.

Despite the initial arrests, approximately 150 stalwart protesters remained in the area, demonstrating a level of tenacity usually reserved for finding campus parking (NBC, 2024; CNN, 2024). The UCLA Police Department issued dispersal orders multiple times, perhaps in the hope that repetition would suddenly create compliance (NBC, 2024; CNN, 2024).

The original encampment was set up around 3:15 p.m. at the picturesque top of Janss Steps. However, it soon went nomadic, relocating to various locations including Dodd Hall and the Kerckhoff patio (NBC, 2024; CNN, 2024). Think of it as a politically charged treasure hunt, except the only prize was more police attention.

Violent confrontations occurred during the demonstrations—not just between police and protesters, but also among rival groups (NBC, 2024). It seems nothing unites people more than the shared experience of being opposed by both friends and foes.

One particularly viral incident involved a female protester being grabbed and taken to the ground by officers in riot gear, as documented in a video shared by the UCLA Faculty Association (NBC, 2024). In the age of social media, if a protest isn't captured on video, did it even happen?

As part of their demonstration, protesters read out the names of Palestinians said to have died in Israeli military action in Gaza, adding a somber tone to the chaotic scene (NBC, 2024). Meanwhile, a UCLA student was wounded by a rubber bullet and taken to a hospital, according to Associate Professor Graeme Blair (CNN, 2024). This proves that civil disobedience, much like final exams, can be hazardous to your health.

The initial encampment attracted about 100 participants from a registered student organization, and their efforts were part of a broader wave of demonstrations on U.S. college campuses denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza (CNN, 2024). Spontaneous social activism is now giving ultimate frisbee a run for its money as the go-to campus pastime.

Protesters who were arrested faced citations for willful disruption of university operations and a generous 14-day stay-away order from UCLA property. Because if there’s one sure way to ensure students don’t protest, it’s to kick them off campus, where they definitely won’t find new places to rally (NBC, 2024; CNN, 2024).

The Faculty for Justice in Palestine wasted no time in criticizing the authorities' actions, claiming that students were, in fact, following dispersal orders (CNN, 2024). This raises an interesting point about what universe those students were in because it clearly wasn’t the one the officers were monitoring.

In conclusion, the recent events at UCLA highlight both passionate activism and the inevitable pushback from authorities. While the protesters succeeded in making their voices heard, they also discovered an unintended outcome: a scenic yet unplanned tour of the UCLA Police Department’s vehicle fleet. Ah, the joys of student life.