Statement on UCLA and USC student protest arrests
May 6, 2024
Islamic Center of Southern California
Statement on UCLA and USC student protest arrests
In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
In light of the ongoing events surrounding the arrests of UCLA and USC students engaged in peaceful protests against the ongoing genocide in Palestine, we are witnessing injustice and call upon our elected officials and community leaders to do the following:
- City, District, and State Attorneys to exercise amnesty and drop all charges against these protestors. It's imperative to recognize that these students are exercising their democratic right to dissent and advocate for justice in a situation where countless lives are at stake. Additionally, we implore University and College Administrators to reverse any punitive measures such as expulsion or academic penalties, as these individuals are expressing their frustration with institutional affiliations that have contributed to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians.
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We call for an investigation into the use of force by law enforcement used against peaceful student protestors and faculty. We implore University and College Administrators to insist that campus security and law enforcement take steps to protect all students and faculty and create an atmosphere that is rooted in safety of expression for all guarding against discrimination in any form and against anyone. It is outrageous to see peaceful students and faculty be met with violence at the hands of security and law enforcement.
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A thorough and transparent investigation into the failure of law enforcement to ensure the safety and protection of pro-Palestinian protestors during the pro-Israel Zionist attacks that took place the night of Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at UCLA. It is unacceptable that individuals peacefully advocating for human rights be subjected to violence and intimidation, particularly in an academic setting that should promote freedom of expression and civil discourse. Those that were responsible for acts of aggression or inciting violence against peaceful protestors should be held accountable.
In closing, we draw inspiration from the universal principle of justice, as espoused in various cultural and religious teachings, including Quranic verse 8 in chapter 5 of our holy book which states:
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear God. For God is well-acquainted with all that you do.
The Islamic Center of Southern California reiterates its stance of solidarity with those who peacefully and courageously stand up for what is right, even when faced with adversity and backlash. It is our collective responsibility to uphold the values of compassion, understanding, equity, and human dignity, regardless of the challenges we may encounter along the way.
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