To the editor: University of California President Michael V. Drake's policy on campus protests in the wake of recent actions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The Gaza war is going too far. I always oppose a zero tolerance policy, because there are always details that cannot be foreseen. (“Zero tolerance on UC campuses in new order banning camping, mask wearing and roadblocks,” August 19)
Limitations on blocking access routes are one thing (though the details can make a difference), but Drake shows a lack of consideration by banning any mask that might conceal identities. That has nothing to do with safety or protecting the rights of others.
Wearing masks for medical or other reasons should take priority over identifying someone for processing. Sorry if it's an obstacle, but people's lives literally depend on it.
It may not be necessary to wear a mask anymore, but many people are still wearing one, and for very good reasons. I am. COVID-19 is spreading out of control. If I get one, it could literally kill me, because I wouldn't be able to get the medical treatment I need to stay alive.
This ban on wearing masks that can obscure identity is outrageous. There should be no tolerance for this zero tolerance policy.
Kevin FitzMaurice, Los Angeles
..
To the editor: Protesters who disrupt life on our campuses must not be allowed to do so. Finally, those in power at UC and the California State University system have made the easy and correct decision to not allow encampments on college campuses.
It's okay to protest peacefully; let's leave it at that.
I also wonder: does the average college student really know or even care what's going on in the Middle East? Or are they more concerned about their upcoming midterms and where the Friday night party is going to be?
Matthew D. Kerster, Gardena
..
To the editor: Drake’s recent statements basically attempt to pigeonhole the protest against genocide into something like a few students sitting silently near some university building holding a sign that says: “To Israel: Please stop killing people with American weapons.”
Drake’s attempt to lend an air of legitimacy to his directives by “pointing out” that UC Berkeley was “the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement” is little more than a public relations strategy to cover up his authoritarian policies.
Two points: those who are described by most media outlets as “pro-Palestinian” protesters are more honestly described as anti-genocides. Among them are Christian, Muslim, Jewish and non-religious protesters.
The article states that “complaints increased as [some] “He said that the tents were impeding the functioning of the university.” As a participant, I can assure you that protests blocking roads, even highways, are often necessary and should not be “illegal” in an honest democracy.
Jim Mamer, San Diego
