The University of California board of regents approved additional non-lethal weaponry for UCLA police on Thursday. This decision follows significant protests on campus earlier this year related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, resulting in over a dozen injuries and more than 200 arrests. UCLA police will now have access to enhanced resources, including pepper balls, sponge rounds, projectile launchers, and drones.
The decision sparked controversy at the regents meeting, leading to shouting and the removal of student demonstrators. Critics, including UCLA student association representative Tommy Contreras, argue that these non-lethal weapons have been used excessively and harmfully at peaceful protests. "I am outraged that the University of California is prioritizing funding for military equipment while slashing resources for education," Contreras declared.
UC spokesperson Stett Holbrook emphasized that the equipment enables police to de-escalate without deadly force and is intended for scenarios that pose significant threats. Holbrook added the equipment is neither military-grade nor military surplus. The board clarified that these resources are not for general crowd control but for life-threatening situations. Faculty and students remain concerned about the potential for misuse and the impact on campus safety. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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