In the wake of a violent mob attack on pro-Palestinian protesters and a subsequent police crackdown on their encampment, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block is now facing faculty calls for his resignation and motions of no confidence. The UCLA Academic Senate, comprised of tenured and tenure-track faculty members, is preparing to vote on separate motions for censure and no-confidence, accusing Block of "failing to ensure the safety of our students and grievously mishandling the events of last week."

The vote, originally scheduled for Friday, has been postponed to next week. Although the vote holds no legal power to force action, it represents a significant moment for Block. As the leader of one of the top public research universities in the country, Block's reputation and tenure are on the line. He is set to step down on July 31 after serving for 17 years, during which he guided UCLA through financial crises and the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, while also overseeing enrollment expansion, diversification, philanthropy, and research funding.

Block is not the only university leader facing criticism for their handling of campus protests. Just recently, USC's Academic Senate voted to censure the university's president, Carol Folt, and provost, Andrew Guzman, following their controversial decision to cancel the valedictorian's commencement speech due to unspecified "threats," as well as the aggressive police action against a pro-Palestinian encampment.

The turmoil at UCLA began on April 25, when students established an encampment on the campus' grassy quad to express solidarity with Palestinians, denounce Israel's actions in Gaza, and demand divestment from corporations involved in the arms trade with Israel. Initially, the encampment remained peaceful with activities such as teach-ins, art builds, and yoga sessions.

However, UCLA Police Chief John Thomas advised against allowing the encampment as it violated campus rules against overnight camping. Some individuals, including Jewish campus members, reported feeling targeted by protest chants, anti-Semitic graffiti, and blocked access to public walkways and buildings. Consequently, on April 30, UCLA declared the encampment unlawful.

That night, a violent mob attacked the encampment, subjecting students to beatings, pepper spray, and fireworks for hours until law enforcement in riot gear intervened in the early morning of May 1. Over 200 individuals were subsequently arrested as police took down the encampment. The events sparked further violence as a crowd converged on the UCLA campus after law enforcement withdrew.

Prior to the faculty vote, more than 900 faculty and staff members from the University of California system issued a list of demands calling for Block's resignation, amnesty for those who participated in the encampment and protests, and full disclosure of university investments with a call for divestment from military weapon production companies.

Faculty members from various departments and volunteer medics voiced their concerns regarding police brutality and the lack of university-provided medical assistance during the attack. They reported numerous injuries, including head trauma, fractures, severe lacerations, and the use of "less-lethal" rounds by law enforcement.

While some faculty members believe Block should not be solely blamed for the campus security failures and point to UC systemwide guidelines that prioritize dialogue over police intervention, others argue that he ultimately bears responsibility as the campus leader.

As the faculty vote approaches, the fate of Chancellor Gene Block hangs in the balance, marking a significant turning point in his career and the reputation of UCLA.