UC Regents Approve New Less-Lethal Weapons for Campus Police Amid Protests

The decision follows intense student and faculty opposition, particularly in light of recent Israel-Hamas war protests.

The University California Board of Regents approved the purchase of additional less-lethal weapons and drones for campus police.
Student and faculty protests erupted during the meeting, with many criticizing the use of such equipment against peaceful demonstrators.
The new equipment includes pepper balls, sponge rounds, projectile launchers, and drones, aimed at providing non-lethal alternatives to firearms.
UC officials stated that the equipment is for de-escalation and training purposes, not for crowd control or peaceful protests.
Critics argue that the use of these weapons against students undermines trust and prioritizes militarization over educational resources.