In a letter released Monday, the president of the University of California instructed leaders at UCLA and nine other campuses to enforce a ban on encampments and face masks during protests.
“As the 2024-25 academic year begins on our campuses in the coming days and weeks, I want to share some updates on our work this summer to ensure a safe, inclusive campus climate that encourages the free exchange of ideas across the University of California,” UC President Michael V. Drake said in the letter.
“We strive to promote free expression and provide countless opportunities and platforms for our students, faculty, other academics, and staff to safely and lawfully share their diverse views and beliefs. While the vast majority of protests on our campuses are peaceful and nonviolent, some of the activities we have seen over the past year have not been.”
The message comes as the UC system prepares for a new academic year and tries to prevent further protests like those at UCLA this spring.
Last week, a federal judge ruled that the university had a duty to prevent anti-Semitic zones after encampments denied Jewish students and faculty access to key parts of the campus.
The UC president said every university must protect the free speech and rights of all members of the UC community.
