Ucla--Protest Against Racist, War Cheerleader

Westwood, UCLA— A caller in front of Kerckhoff Hall, says that a group of 40 activists, Ucla Civil Dissent Network, and their supporters are awaiting for the arrival of Daniel Pipes. Daniel Pipes is a neo-conservative intellectual who will give a speech, at Moore Hall at 7:30 p.m., about the war on terror, to promote, and to justify, not only, the war on Iraq, but also the perpetual war on terror.

Twelve policemen in full riot gears are close by.

So- what happened?

Here is a quick update on the event.

A protest was organized by UCLA Students for a Democratic Society and the UCLA Civil Dissent Network, anti-war student groups. The UCLA Muslim Students Association also organized a protest by sending a large group into the talk and then walking out silently in unison.

SDS dropped a large banner that said "No to the Racist War on Terror" from a building opposite the entrance to the talk, which could be clearly seen by the people waiting in line to get in.

After the walk-out, there was a rally outside, which for a while assumed the character of a face-off between protesters and pipes supporters. Students chanted and stood behind a big "out of Iraq" banner. Chants included "No Justice, no peace // US out of the middle east," "From Iraq to Palestine // Occupation is a Crime," etc. Protesters denounced the occupations of Iraq and Palestine, and attacked Pipes for his hateful speech. Some 50 people rallied here.

After this, the MSA led a discussion circle outside of Moore Hall, and students spoke out against racism, the war, and Islamophobia.

There were about 15 police with riot helmets and batons at the event, but there were not confrontations either with them or with Pipes supporters.

UCLA Students for a Democratic Society is committed to continuing the struggle on campus against racism and war.

For more information, please contact: ucla.sds@gmail.com

Where people inside the event? If not, why not?

Was there a question and answer period?

Did people challenge his attitudes?

What were the responses?

Did anyone tape the event?