UCLA faculty reject censure and no confidence resolutions against chancellor after attack on pro-Palestinian encampment

The UCLA Academic Senate rejected censuring and making a no confidence statement against university Chancellor Gene Block amid mounting criticism of his handling of a campus pro-Palestinian encampment that was violently attacked by counterprotesters.

The UCLA Academic Senate rejected censuring and making a no confidence statement against university Chancellor Gene Block amid mounting criticism over his handling of a campus pro-Palestinian encampment that was violently attacked by counterprotesters. Faculty members were divided Thursday while mulling whether “Chancellor Block failed to ensure the safety of our students and grievously mishandled the events.” On the motion to censure Block, 50% of votes cast were in favor. The motion of no confidence in Block garnered 43% of votes in favor. After the vote, University of California President Michael V. Drake said in a statement: “These are extraordinarily complex and unprecedented times for American universities. I appreciate Chancellor Block’s dedication and commitment to the University during these difficult times. We will continue to provide our chancellors with the support and resources they need to respond to these ever-evolving situations.” Andrea M. Kasko, who serves as the chair of the Academic Senate, called on colleagues to “try to find common ground” in a statement issued following the votes. “As we all process the results of the votes by the Legislative Assembly on May 16, 2024, on the resolutions of no confidence and censure of the Chancellor, it is clear that we are not united in how we view the major events of the past weeks and the campus response to them,” Kasko said.