Free Speech at UC Berkeley Once Again Put to the Test

"The resolution condemns “all acts of discrimination, harassment, or intimidation against Palestinian students or any student based on their nationality or political beliefs.” 

"It also calls on the administration to take “concrete steps to protect Palestinian students” and “accurately investigate” acts of discrimination and harassment."

"The ASUC will also form a working group open to all campus community members to set guidelines for speakers brought to campus."

-Daily Californian

                 "I need protection."

We have been following the story about the February 26 disruption of a speech by Israeli lawyer and IDF veteran, Ran Bar-Yoshafat, at UC Berkeley and the ensuing fallout. 

It has now been announced that he will return to UC Berkeley this evening to finish his speech as well as any other unfinished business.

The pro-Palestinian bullies are naturally upset and are demanding protection from the university. How ironic is that? The bullies and disruptors are now hiding and apparently applying for the Witness Protection Program to shield them from the "harmful" words of Yoshafat. The Student Government is hard at work passing resolutions protecting the Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim students.

(From what-themselves?)

It is all happening this evening, and we will follow up on what happens. I predict that the little rascals will crawl out of their hiding places long enough to disrupt this event as well. No doubt the campus police will be out in force-to protect the Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian kids from the harmful words of Ran Bar-Yoshafat.

*Update ( 3-19-24):

It appears last night's event went off almost without incident. Police presence was beefed up, nothing notable took place outside, and only one protester managed to get in and shout, " Shame on all of you," before being escorted out. All in all, that's good news.

I also welcome the announcement of an investigation into the February 26 incident. While protest is legitimate, breaking windows, assault, and disrupting the free speech rights of others is not. We will probably never know what disciplinary action is taken against students by the university because that is covered by privacy regulations. Any criminal charges, of course, become public knowledge. If property was damaged or people were assaulted, I hope some sort of criminal charges will be filed.